Retinal information capacity and the function of the pupil

Abstract

When the pupil is opened to increase sensitivity there is a loss of image sharpness due to aberrations. This trade-off between sensitivity and sharpness is analysed theoretically by calculating the information capacity of the retinal image. The analysis uses optical measurements of image sharpness made at different pupil diameters. At each luminance there is a pupil diameter that maximizes information capacity. This optimum is close to the diameter adopted under normal viewing conditions. The optimum is broad, consequently the system tolerates inaccurate adjustment. The benefits of correctly adjusting the pupil are evaluated. At low light levels the advantage is 68%, at intermediate levels it falls to around 20% but under daylight conditions it increases to 52%. These advantages suggest that the primary function of the pupillary light reflex is to maximize acuity over a wide range of luminances.