How do our eyes “get used to the dark”?
In: Biology
Your pupil dilates, meaning it enlarges and allows more light to enter. It can take a few minutes, but once more light is allowed to enter, you’re able to see more.
If you shine a bright light on someone’s eye, you’ll see the pupil quickly shrink.
Fun fact, pirates wore an eye patch because it meant when they went from the bright deck to the dark inside, they would have one eye already adjusted to the dark so they wouldn’t be blind for a few minutes while their eyes adjust.
Edit: I am not entirely correct.
a)The pirate thing appears to be based on zero evidence. Apologies for propagating a myth.
b) pupil dilation is a seconds long process, and only part of the story when it comes to night vision.
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