What is the function of rods in the human eye?

Rods are photoreceptor cells in the retina that play a crucial role in vision, particularly in low-light conditions. Their primary function is to assist in peripheral vision and night vision. Unlike cones, which are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light, rods are sensitive to dim light and enable us to see in darker environments. They are distributed more densely around the periphery of the retina, which makes them essential for detecting movement and providing vision in poorly lit situations. In fact, rods do not perceive color and are not involved in visual acuity; instead, they are adept at detecting shades of gray and are particularly vital for night-time and peripheral vision tasks.