Why do some animals have reflective surfaces in their eyes?

Some animals, particularly nocturnal creatures like cats and deer, have a layer of tissue behind their retinas called the tapetum lucidum. This reflective surface enhances their night vision by reflecting light that passes through the retina back into the eye, giving it another chance to be absorbed by light-sensitive cells. The tapetum lucidum helps animals see in low-light environments, which is essential for hunting or avoiding predators during the night. The glowing effect of this layer is often seen in the eyes of cats, dogs, and other nocturnal animals when exposed to light.