Eli5: Why does the human visual field seem to disappear when staring at something for an extended period of time without blinking the eyes?

Question

Eli5: Why does the human visual field seem to disappear when staring at something for an extended period of time without blinking the eyes?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Because you’re paying intense attention to the thing you’re staring at, and probably releasing stress hormones in the process.

I find that if I stare blankly (at nothing), the opposite happens. In fact, paying attention to the edges of your visual field can calm you down when stressed.