photoreceptors

After light enters the eye it eventually strikes the retina, which works like the film in a camera.  The photoreceptors are the cells within the retina that actually detect light photons and convert them into a signal our body can detect. These photoreceptors come in different varieties.  Cones are the cells that detect color and are especially important for our daylight and fine central vision. Rods can only see in black and white, but are highly sensitive and important for night vision and our peripheral vision.