When do rod cells shut off?

Rod cells, which are responsible for vision in low-light conditions, shut off in bright light situations due to the activation of phototransduction pathways. Specifically, when exposed to high levels of light, the photopigment rhodopsin in rod cells becomes saturated, leading to a decrease in the responsiveness of these cells. This process helps prevent overstimulation and allows the visual system to adapt to varying light conditions. Consequently, rod cells are less effective during daylight, while cone cells take over for color and detail perception.