Spectral transmittance of the ocular media of the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

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Abstract
The spectral transmittance of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) ocular media (n = 10 eyes) was measured over the wave band 310 to 750 nm, using a specially modified spectrophotometer. Transmittance was approximately uniform at 0.92 between 450 and 750 nm, fell to < 0.5 by 400 nm, and to 0.01 by 370 nm. The ocular media minimize exposure of the retina to potentially harmful shortwave ultraviolet radiation. The adaptive significance of such a preretinal filter in this teleost is briefly discussed.