Optical illusions have recently sent the internet into a tizzy, as they get our brain to exercise, and can be the perfect test of our observational skills and keen eye. They are also super fun to solve, and can be the perfect recipe for a bored evening! An optical illusion is actually a visual phenomenon where the brain misinterprets what the eyes perceive. It occurs when the information sent by the eyes conflicts with how the brain processes and understands what it sees. These illusions often trick us into seeing things that are not there, or perceiving objects differently from reality. For example, a still image might appear to move, or two shapes may seem unequal in size even though they are identical.Can you spot the odd word out?Here, we see a pic with the word pens written all over it. The words are really striking since it they written in white over a black background. However, there is a catch in it. Amidst the barrage of pens, there is an odd word standing out – but it so difficult to spot it. Well if you look carefully, we are sure you will be able to figure it out, but there is a catch. You only have 10 seconds to do it. Ready, steady, go – your time starts now!The revealGive up? Here’s the answer. The word is actually pan (replacing the “e” in pen), and due to the similar spelling, it is actually quite tricky to spot. But here, we have made your job easier by marking it out for you. Did you spot it? Tell us in the comments section.
Types of optical illusionsThere are three main types of optical illusions:Literal Illusions: These occur when the brain combines elements of an image to create something that doesn’t exist. For example, an image might look like two faces or a vase depending on how you interpret it.Physiological Illusions: These are caused by overstimulation of the visual system, such as excessive exposure to light, movement, or color. They can create effects like afterimages or motion illusions.Cognitive Illusions: These rely on how the brain subconsciously interprets information. Examples include illusions like the Müller-Lyer illusion, where lines appear longer or shorter due to surrounding shapes.
