ИСТИНА

The roles of birefringence and scattering of polarized light are considered in the visual perception of Haidinger's and Boehm’s brushes, both entopic phenomena. To simulate the phenomena, we developed and employed a theoretical polarization-based computational model that imitated the optical system geometry of the human eye. Using this model, we demonstrated that Haidinger's brushes originate because the structured organization of Henle's fibre layer, which act as the analyser to the polarized light, causes birefringence. Because of the radial orientation of these fibres, Haidinger's brushes appear perpendicular to the orientation of the incident linear polarization of light. Additionally, the results of Monte Carlo-based modelling confirm that Boehm’s brushes, which are perceived outside the macula region, are the product of low-order scattering of polarised light in the superficial layer of the retina. Understanding of these phenomena, in terms of their formation and appearance, is essential for basic and clinical studies on visual perception, including the development of advanced ophthalmic tools for assessing macular and retina functions.