Peripheral vision facts for kids

Side-view of the human eye, viewed approximately 90° temporal, illustrating how the iris and pupil appear rotated towards the viewer due to the optical properties of the cornea and the aqueous humor.

Peripheral vision is the ability to see objects and movement outside of the direct line of vision.

Functions

The main functions of peripheral vision are:

• recognition of well-known structures and forms with no need to focus by the foveal line of sight.
• identification of similar forms and movements (Gestalt psychology laws)
• delivery of sensations which form the background of detailed visual perception.

Images for kids

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  Ovals A, B and C show which portions of the chess situation chess masters can reproduce correctly with their peripheral vision. Lines show path of foveal fixation during 5 seconds when the task is to memorize the situation as correctly as possible. Image from based on data by