If you’ve ever felt like you go a little cross-eyed after taking a peek at an optical illusion, then you know they can be a pretty intense phenomenon. What your eyes perceive when looking at one of these images is actually a visual illusion; you see the image as something different than what it is because the different cells and receptors in your eyes distinguish images and colors at dissimilar speeds. The eye can only receive a limited amount of visual stimuli, but as your brain constantly processes the visual information, it gives you the illusion of continuous sight. Whether it’s an optical, physiological or cognitive illusion, the design plays a trick on your eyes (and mind). Check out some of interesting illusions below—but beware, you may not be able to absorb them all in one sitting.
Flowing Leaves
The brown leaf shapes against a green background make this look as if the entire group is flowing—making waves if you focus on the picture as a whole.
Pulsing Vortex
If you stare at this one long enough you’ll notice a fast and pulsing multicolored vortex.
Waves
The blue almond-shaped objects look as if they’re all passing over three separate columns.
Hypnosis
Although this image is comprised of simple purple and green squares outlined in black, it looks like it is bulging out in the center.
Pulsing Vortex
Waves
Hypnosis
Kathmandu Time
