The photosensitive cells (rods and cones) in the retina are most densely packed

Question

The photosensitive cells (rods and cones) in the retina are most densely packed in the fovea - the part of the retina used to see straight ahead. In the fovea, the cells are all cones spaced about 1 µm apart. Would our vision have much better resolution if they were closer together? To answer this question, assume two light sources are just far enough apart to be resolvable according to Rayleigh's criterion. Assume an average pupil diameter of 5.00 mm and an eye diameter of 25.00 mm. Also assume that the index of refraction of the vitreous fluid in the eye is 1; in other words, treat the pupil as a circular aperture with air on both sides. What is the spacing of the cones if the centers of the diffraction maxima fall on two nonadjacent cones with a single intervening cone? (There must be an intervening dark cone in order to resolve the two sources; if two adjacent cones are stimulated, the brain assumes a single source. Assume that the two light sources are just far enough apart to be resolvable according to Rayleigh's criterion. For the smallest angular separation, use the smallest visible wavelength, which is approximately 400 nm.)

Explanation / Answer

1 m, our vision would not be better if the cones were closer.

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