This mind-boggling optical illusion hides the number 593; can you find it in under 7 seconds?

Think you have the sharpest eyes in the room? A new optical illusion puzzle is puzzling the internet. The brain teaser has dared users to spot one sneaky number that is hiding in plain sight. Among dozens of nearly identical numbers, the odd man out is carefully camouflaged and the mission is to find it in just seven seconds.

The viral visual challenge has become a favourite when it comes to testing one’s focus, attention to detail, and visual agility. At first glance, it comes across like a sea of repeating digits but a closer look will show you something that is not quite right.

Also read: Optical illusion test: Need eagle eyes to spot '183' in 8 seconds

Can you beat the 7-second challenge?

An X (formerly Twitter) user posted the optical illusion on their personal page. They shared an image filled with rows and columns of the number 493, all identical, except one. Blended masterfully within the pattern is the elusive 593, hiding behind the visual similarity of ‘4’ and ‘5’ when quickly glanced over.

The illusion is a classic example of a brain teaser which pushes a person’s pattern recognition and visual filtering abilities. Most people take more than a few seconds to even realise what they have been looking for.

Optical illusion: What to look for?

When engaging with such optical illusions, it is essential to closely watch the details which may initially go unnoticed. One should start by examining shapes and patterns closely. Look out for subtle differences in colour, size, or orientation, which could indicate a change.

Focus on the edges and intersections of the figures, since these areas often contain the most significant alterations.

But if you are quick and careful, you will spot the number, cleverly positioned towards the bottom right corner of the image.

Why these illusions boost focus and cognitive strength

Such optical illusions present far more than mere amusement: they stimulate the brain and increase its performance. Psychologists support the notion that these puzzles improve concentration, attention span, and visual memory.

This is a great puzzle because it makes use of similarly shaped digits so that the mind attempts to fill in the blanks too quickly. Most people miss the slightest change unless they stop to really analyse it.

FAQs

Q: What is the challenge in this optical illusion?

A: The task is to find the hidden number 593 among a crowd of 493s in just seven seconds.

Q: Where is the number 593 located?

A: It’s cleverly hidden in the bottom right corner of the image.

Q: Why are optical illusions like this useful?

A: They improve visual processing, attention to detail, and cognitive function, making them fun and beneficial.