Phosphenes, retinal discrete dark noise, negative afterimages and retinogeniculate projections: A new explanatory framework based on endogenous ocular luminescence

Abstract

Cellular luminescence is the emission of photons by living cells due to various biophysical and biochemical processes, mostly associated with cellular metabolism. In this review paper we summarize today's understanding of four luminescence-dependent phenomena in the eye, i.e., phosphenes, retinal discrete dark noise, negative afterimages and the development of retinogeniculate projections in the brain. We review the phenomena above in the context of knowledge gained from experimental and theoretical works. Finally, we discuss this knowledge in terms of its physiological significance.

Keywords: Endogenous ocular luminescence; Negative afterimages; Retinal discrete dark noise; Retinal phosphenes; Retinogeniculate projection prior to birth.