WHAT'S HAPPENING:
This is called a scintillating illusion, which means that the image appears to twinkle. Located in the back of the inner eye, the retina receives light through your eye's lens. Scientists think the "ghost dots" may occur because of how certain nerve cells, called neurons, in your retina relate to each other when they receive signals from dark and light areas.
Illustration by Illusionworks, L.L.C.
Vision scientist Al Seckel is the author of The Great Book of Optical Illusions.
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FAST FACT #1:
Your brain helps protect your eyes by causing them to blink automatically.
FAST FACT #2:
Humans blink about 17,000 times a day. On average, that's one blink every five seconds!
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