We perceive many optical or visual illusions each day without even knowing. These illusions can be either man-made or natural, but each tricks our brains into perceiving something differently than it physically appears in reality.

There are three main types of illusions: Literal optical illusions create images that are different from the objects that make them. Physiological illusions are the effects of excessive stimulation of a specific type (brightness, colour, size, position). Pathological visual illusions arise from a pathological exaggeration in physiological visual perception mechanisms causing the above types of illusions.

What this means basically is that illusions can fool our brains on a physical, cognitive or perceptual level. So sit back, buckle up and prepare yourselves, these images will bend and test your perceptions of reality and blow, your, mind!

Look at the cross – how do the celebrities look?

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These monsters… they’re the same size!

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How are these bricks stacked?

Via Mighty Optical Illusions

Bird or painted woman?

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Stare at the cross in the middle for 10 seconds – the purple dots will disappear!

Via BrainBashers

Are these pictures the same…? YES

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Can you see the elephant in this image?

Via Mighty Optical Illusions

These two orange dots are actually the same size!

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Read this aloud. Is there an error? Have a second look.

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Leaning against a tree down at a lake? Think again!

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Are these two dressed as opposites? Look again.

Via Mighty Optical Illusions

Which face is male and which is female?

Wrong! They’re the same androgynous face.

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This last one will blow your mind! But you might have to do it a couple times just to make sure you aren’t going crazy. Stare at the black dot in the centre. Did you see the colour of the buildings?

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Did these optical illusions work for you? Which is your favourite and have you seen any others on the web?