The human visual system is specifically adapted to perceive a narrow range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, which we perceive as visible light. This range spans from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers, with violet light having the shortest wavelength and red light having the longest.
The primary reason we cannot see other wavelengths of light beyond this range is the structure of our eyes and the composition of our retinas. The retina contains specialized cells called photoreceptors, which are responsible for detecting light. There are two types of photoreceptor cells in our retinas: rods and cones.
Rods are more sensitive to light and are responsible for vision in dim or low-light conditions. However, they are not capable of distinguishing different colors. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for color vision but require higher light levels to function effectively. Cones are further divided into three types, each sensitive to different ranges of wavelengths corresponding roughly to red, green, and blue light.
Since our visual system has evolved to perceive light within the range that is most abundant and relevant to our daily lives, we lack the photoreceptors necessary to detect other wavelengths. Wavelengths outside the visible spectrum, such as ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) light, are either too short or too long for our eyes to detect directly.
However, it is worth noting that technological advancements have allowed us to develop instruments and devices capable of detecting and visualizing other wavelengths of light. For instance, ultraviolet cameras or infrared goggles can capture images beyond the visible spectrum, enabling us to observe and study phenomena that are invisible to the naked eye.