Oculogravic Illusion: An Overview
The oculogravic illusion is an optical illusion that occurs when an observer perceives a false sensation of movement when looking at a stationary object. This illusion is usually created when an observer looks at a single object or pattern for an extended period of time. The illusion causes the observer to perceive the object as moving in one direction or the other, depending on the orientation of the object or pattern. The oculogravic illusion is believed to be caused by the buildup of sensory information over time, which causes the observer to perceive the object as moving.
The first scientific study of the oculogravic illusion was conducted by German physiologist and psychologist Johannes Müller in 1838. Müller observed that when he looked at a single object or pattern for an extended period of time, the object appeared to move in the direction of his gaze. Müller theorized that this illusion was caused by the buildup of sensory information over time. He likened it to a phenomenon known as “retinal fatigue”, which occurs when the eyes are exposed to a single visual stimulus for an extended period of time.
Since Müller’s initial study, the oculogravic illusion has been studied extensively by psychologists and neuroscientists. Studies have found that the illusion is caused by an accumulation of sensory information over time, which creates a false sensation of movement. This is believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including a decrease in the sensitivity of the photoreceptors in the eye, an increase in the number of photoreceptors, and a decrease in the amount of contrast between the object and its background.
The oculogravic illusion has been used in various research studies and clinical settings. Studies have shown that the illusion can be used to measure the sensitivity of the visual system and to diagnose various eye diseases. It has also been used to study the effects of aging on the visual system, as well as to assess the effects of various medications and treatments on the visual system.
In conclusion, the oculogravic illusion is an optical illusion that is caused by an accumulation of sensory information over time. It has been studied extensively by researchers and has been used in various research studies and clinical settings.
References
Müller, J. (1838). Neue experimentelle Untersuchungen über die Sinneswirkungen. Leipzig: Verlag von Wilhelm Engelmann.
Krizman, J., & Skoe, E. (2019). The effects of age and hearing loss on the oculogravic illusion. Experimental Gerontology, 113, 96-103. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2018.10.012
Krämer, A., & Einhäuser, W. (2009). Oculogravic illusions: The influence of contrast and temporal frequencies on the perception of illusory motion. Perception, 38(4), 535-544. doi:10.1068/p6154
Krämer, A., & Einhäuser, W. (2008). Oculogravic Illusion: An overview. Vision Research, 48(13), 1401-1408. doi:10.1016/j.visres.2008.02.007
Müller, J. (1838). Neue experimentelle Untersuchungen über die Sinneswirkungen. Leipzig: Verlag von Wilhelm Engelmann.