by Joel Harrison
7. September 2010 15:22
Because of their unique ability to see well in the dark, nocturnal geckos became a subject of scientific research. Their eyes’ optical system (consisting of concentric zones of different refractive powers) allows them to focus on objects at various distances, which is especially important at night because light of different wavelength ranges can focus on the retina at the same time and this way geckos can obtain a sharp image at more than one depth.
If researchers are able to copy the structure of geckos’ eyes, it will be possible to make multifocal contact lenses that will considerably enhance human vision, especially at night. The ongoing study may also lead to the development of new, much more sensitive digital cameras.
What is important, in the course of the study, the researchers found a way of examining the eyes of live animals without harming them or even controlling their gaze and accommodation. They achieved that by modifying the Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor, which will find in other studies as well.
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