Light effects on circadian rhythm collected by rod cells and cone cells and the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), or it is directly collected by these RGCs. The RGCs use the photopigment melanopsin to absorb the light energy. Specifically, this class of RGCs being discussed is referred to as "intrinsically photosensitive," which just means they are sensitive to light. There are five known types of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs): M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5. Each of these differently ipRGC types have different melanopsin content and photosensitivity. These connect to amacrine cells in the inner plexiform layer of the retina. Ultimately, via this retinohypothalamic
Evolution of the eye focal length of an early lobopod with lens-containing simple eyes focused the image "behind" the retina, so while no part of the image could be brought into focus, the intensity of light allowed the organism to see in deeper (and therefore darker) waters. A subsequent increase of the lens's refractive index probably resulted in an in-focus image being formed. The development of the lens in camera-type eyes probably followed a different trajectory. The transparent cells over a pinhole eye's aperture split into two layers, with liquid in between. The liquid originally served as a circulatory fluid for oxygen, nutrients, wastes,