Explore Module
Basic Level
Spatial distribution and visual acuity
Cones are densest in the fovea, where visual acuity is maximal and connections are more direct; rods dominate in the periphery, favoring the detection of movement and light variations. This trade-off explains why reading requires direct foveal fixation, while peripheral vision is more effective for motion detection.
Why do letters become less sharp when we fixate on a single one?
Because cone density decreases away from the fovea, and neural convergence increases: sensitivity improves, but spatial resolution decreases.