Cones and Rods
Cones and rods working together to give you the full visual experience. Cones handle colors and details in bright light, while rods are your go-to for seeing in the dark and catching movement.
Cones:
Cones let us see colors and fine details.
Cones work best in bright, well-lit conditions.
Cones perform poorly in dark, dim lighting, creating blind spots.
For drone pilots, knowing how cones work helps them see color-coded signals on control panels and pick out details in their surroundings.
Rods:
Rods are very sensitive to light intensity and are key for peripheral vision and spotting movement.
Rods can’t see colors but excel in the dark due to their sensitivity.
Rods can get overwhelmed by too much light and need time to “reset” after bright exposure.
For drone pilots, rods help them navigate and spot obstacles and movement in low light or at night.
*Memory Trick: Think of a metal rod spanning several feet outward to your left and right, moving up and down, allowing your peripheral vision to track it.
Negative Influences
on Eye Sight
Other Factors Impacting Flight
It’s important to know the negative impact of smoking cigarettes and skipping meals on your ability to reasonably fly a drone.
Smoking Cigarettes: Decreases visual sensitivity at night
- Smoking increases carbon monoxide levels, affecting your red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen.
- Less oxygen can result in hypoxia, which negatively affects your peripheral vision and ability to see in the dark.
- Even a little smoking can reduce your night vision by 20%.
Skipping Meals: Decreases attention span
- Skipping meals or eating late can drop your blood sugar.
- Second: Low blood sugar can make your stomach cramp up, diminish your focus, and make it hard to pay attention.
