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Updated: Dec 12, 2025

How to Create and Use Binocular Rivalry
Published on: November 10, 2010
Third-Eye Rivalry
Regan M Gallagher1, Naotsugu Tsuchiya2
1School of Psychological Science, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract:
We showcase an optical phenomenon that we call Third-Eye Rivalry. The effect is most easily induced by viewing one's own reflection in a mirror. Using the pupil of the opposing eye as a fixation target, people can easily cross their eyes in free fusion to experience vivid rivalry. The resulting percept is of a prominent central "third" eye and two peripheral faces rivaling for perceptual dominance. We illustrate the process of achieving third-eye rivalry and discuss historical connotations of the third eye in scientific and mystical contexts.
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