After Images

Color is light and colored objects absorb and reflect different wavelengths. Color is seen by the human eye because of the two light receptors - rods and cones - located in the retina of the eye. Rods and cones vary in sensitivity to different colors and light, and they convey the color of light to our brain.

When our eyes are exposed to a hue for a prolonged period, the rods & cones become fatigued. You might notice this if you are reading something on colored paper, and then look away—you often see the inverse, or complement, of the image. This occurrence can be advantageous if you are seeking the opposite, or contrast, of a color. This may be dismaying to a viewer if presented with prolonged exposure to colored screens or reading materials.

Every color has an opposite, and although individual's perceptions do vary, the range of after images seen is consistent.

Take the After Image Test

Stare at this image for at least 20 seconds. When finished, scroll down to After Images - Results and stare at the blank screen below.

After Images - Results

What you see here is a called an after image. This may be VERY faint; if you don't see anything, try again! To view the image most people see, scroll down the page.

People see the opposite colors or a negative image because staring at one color for an extended period will fatigue the eyes rods & cones.

These are the after image colors many/most people will see. There is some constancy with after images as people see images within the same general hue families.