If you have ever stared at something for a long time and then seen the image even after you have looked away, then you know about afterimage illusion.
This concept has been studied in depth by scientists and leaders in the ophthalmology field.
More and more is being understood about the phenomenon every day, but a recent discovery has left many with their jaws hanging open.
It has been long believed that the resulting afterimage was the result of something called ‘retinal bleaching’.
Put another way, many thought that the flash of the image was due to its light imprint being temporarily ingrained on the retina, responsible for passing information to the brain about what is seen by the eye.
The new study proved that this is not the case.
It was discovered that the afterimages appeared in forms different that what was originally seen.
It was already known that the afterimages were typically seen in complimentary colors to the object actually stared at, but this study showed that the shape did not remain the same either.
A circle was seen as a hexagonal afterimage. The reverse was also true.
This would not be the case if it was simply a matter of the image being stamped on the retina.
Even if the image was seen with the left eye, the afterimage was seen by the right eye.
Through these and other discoveries, the researchers are now convinced that the afterimage is created by the brain, not the eye.
You can read more about the findings by checking out the full article.
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