Is it possible to alter the human eye so that we can see in the dark?

Answer 1

Yep........................eat carrots!

Answer 2

In theory, yes.

Use genetic engineering (at a level far in advance of what we have now) to replicate the layer of cells that cats have to reflect light from the back of the eyes (while making alterations to prevent the deterioration of daytime vision)

Or

Use eugenics to breed humans that can see in the dark, selecting and breeding those humans that see best in the dark. This takes a LONG time

Answer 3

Well, no animal can see in complete darkness, but I don't think that is what you meant.

The eyes of most animals have both rods and cones. "Cones" are what allows you to see in color, but they are not that sensitive to low light levels. "Rods" are sensitive to low light levels, but cannot distinguish between colors.

In short, animals with good night vision are usually color blind because they have more rods than coness. Animals with good night vision also have problems seeing in bright daylight, since the light hurts their eyes, and their pupils almost close in response.

Not only that, but most mammals have a reflective retina, so that any light that is not immediately absorbed by the cones keeps getting reflected inside the eye, rather than absorbed, until it falls upon a cone where it is sensed. The end result of this is that animals with reflective retinas are more sensitive to light, but also have problems focusing, since reflective light is scattered. Most mammals, especially predators, have a hard time seeing something that does not move, because they have a hard time focusing.

Human do not have a reflective retina. If we did, we could see in the dark, but we might not be able to read unless we used extra large print.

I suppose that the answer to your question is yes, but keep in mind that everything is a trade-off. Eyes that are good at seeing at night are not that good for seeing in the daylight.

===edit===

Sorry, I made a slight mistake. "Rods" are for low light, and "cones" are for color vision. I got it backwards.

Answer 4

I suppose night vision glasses are one solution. But if you are waiting for human sight to evolve it will take thousands of lifetimes and the pressure for it should be there called selective breeding and elimination (or destruction of the unfit). As many replies have pointed out waiting to adjust for the dark (the iris to dilate that is) is also a good option.

Answer 5

If the pupil was made larger it may be possible. But the eyes do accustom to the dark. I work nights, and one of my colleagues prefers to have the lights off.

But I have got used to working in the night, and I'm sure people who do overnight deliveries, railway maintenance, roadworks etc probably have developed night sight. But on top of this is a heightened awareness of sound.

Answer 6

Maybe through the course of evolution but not in this day an age. We as humans have no need to beable to see in the dark.

Answer 7

there is no physical way yet....but whats the point, you can already see in the dark, just let your eyes get use to the lighting around you for a while. go get night vision goggles or w8 along time from now till we master connecting minute sized nerves

Answer 8

No. The light receptor cells in the retina have evolved to see within the spectral band we call 'visible light' and it'd take one helluva lot of genetic engineering to change that.

Doug

Answer 9

real dark doesn't exist, there is always some light, of some frequency. perhaps if a new-born baby lived in a cave they would become sensitive to low light conditions

good question

Answer 10

You don't have to change it. It is fantastic as it is. Just wait in the dark long enough and you would start seeing.

Answer 11

rods and cones are respionsible for picking up message in the retina
rods in the dark
eat more carrots and grow more rods ~ keep cells in a culture and plant in the retina and propigate ~ sounds easy ~ im sure its not LOL