Optical Illusions: Tricks That Fool the Brain With Light

Optical illusions happen when your brain interprets light and images in misleading ways.
They reveal how vision is not just about the eyes, but also about brain processing.
Some illusions rely on contrast, making colors or shades appear different than they are.
Motion illusions trick the brain into seeing movement where none exists.
Depth illusions use perspective and shading to make flat images look 3D.
The Müller-Lyer illusion shows two equal lines appearing different lengths due to arrow tips.
Mirages are natural optical illusions caused by light bending in layers of hot air.
The “checker shadow illusion” proves context can change how we perceive brightness.
Artists and architects use illusions to create dramatic effects in paintings and buildings.
Studying illusions helps scientists understand how human perception really works.