What is the term for the fading of stationary objects due to lateral inhibition?

The term for the fading of stationary objects due to lateral inhibition is known as the Troxler effect. This phenomenon occurs when a viewer fixates on a particular point in their visual field, causing the surrounding stationary objects to gradually fade or become less noticeable. This fading is attributed to the mechanism of lateral inhibition, where neurons in the visual system inhibit neighboring neurons, leading to a decrease in the perception of constant stimuli, especially when they are not being actively focused on.

The Troxler effect illustrates how our visual system is designed to enhance contrast and attention to movement rather than static images. This is an important concept in understanding visual perception, as it demonstrates how our eyes and brain work together to filter and prioritize information from the visual environment, often leading to a loss of detail in non-focused areas.