Troxler’s fading or Troxler’s effect is a phenomenon of visual perception. When one fixates a particular point, after about 20 seconds or so, a stimulus away from the fixation point, in peripheral vision, will fade away and disappear. The effect is enhanced if the stimulus is small, is of low contrast or equiluminant, or is blurred. The effect is enhanced the further the stimulus is away from the fixation point. Troxler’s fading was discovered by Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler in 1804.
Troxler’s fading has been attributed to adaptation of neurons in the visual system vital for perceiving a stimulus. It is part of the general principle in sensory systems that an unvarying stimulus soon disappears from our awareness.
Troxler’s fading has been attributed to adaptation of neurons in the visual system vital for perceiving a stimulus. It is part of the general principle in sensory systems that an unvarying stimulus soon disappears from our awareness.