Melanopsin Vision
Sensation and Perception Through Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells

This Element provides an integrative approach to understanding light sensation in humans.

Daniel S. Joyce (Author), Kevin W. Houser (Author), Stuart N. Peirson (Author), Jamie M. Zeitzer (Author), Andrew J. Zele (Author)

9781009014878, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 January 2023

75 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.4 cm, 0.137 kg

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are the most recently discovered photoreceptor class in the human retina. This Element integrates new knowledge and perspectives from visual neuroscience, psychology, sleep science and architecture to discuss how melanopsin-mediated ipRGC functions can be measured and their circuits manipulated. It reveals contemporary and emerging lighting technologies as powerful tools to set mind, brain and behaviour.

1. Introduction
2. Evidence for the non-image forming pathways and novel retinal photoreceptors
3. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs)
4. Methodological considerations for the experimental control of photoreception in humans
5. The pupil as a measure of non-image forming vision
6. Melanopsin-driven light adaptation modulates rod- and cone-mediated functions
7. Spatio-temporal response properties of melanopsin photoreception
8. Melanopsin expressing ipRGCs drive an independent dimension of conscious visual perception in humans
9. Circadian rhythms and ipRGCs
10. The non-image forming pathways set arousal and cognition
11. Harnessing light in the built environment
12. Future directions, unknowns, and conclusions
References.

Subject Areas: Neurosciences [PSAN], Neurology & clinical neurophysiology [MJN], Physiological & neuro-psychology, biopsychology [JMM]