ABO Ophthalmology Complete Practice Exam 2025

The cones in the retina are primarily responsible for color vision. This is because cones are photoreceptor cells that respond to different wavelengths of light, allowing us to perceive a wide spectrum of colors. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different ranges of wavelengths — short (blue), medium (green), and long (red) — and their combined activity enables the brain to interpret various colors based on the dominant wavelengths present in the light.

In contrast, rods are more sensitive to light but do not contribute to color perception; they are primarily involved in vision in low-light conditions and detect shades of gray. The lens of the eye plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina but does not contribute to the perception of color itself. The macula, a small region in the retina, contains a high concentration of cones and plays an important role in central vision but is not directly responsible for color vision as a distinct function. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific role of cones in facilitating color vision.