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Incoherent image formation in human eyes that have scattering eye media is investigated as a function of the particle size and the optical density of the scattering medium and for test targets that differ in form and size. For single scattering by large particles (≫ λ), a point-spread function and the associated modulation-transfer function of the scattered light are derived from diffraction theory. It is shown that object structures with low spatial frequencies are also imaged by the scattered light. Following single scattering by small particles and/or multiple scattering, the scattered light forms an approximately uniform background. Consequently, the retinal contrast is reduced regardless of spatial frequency. The image quality is, contrary to what is found in normal image formation, extremely sensitive to the form and size of the test target. It is shown that the optimal readability of white-on-black letters is obtained at intermediate spatial frequencies. For an extended layer of arbitrary optical density and particle size, the influence of multiple scattering is approximated by using Hartel’s scattering theory. It is shown that wavelength has only a small influence on retinal contrast for scattering by particles > λ.
© 1987 Optical Society of America
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