Focused visual attention distorts distance perception away from the attentional locus

▶ Space is overestimated around the fixated position. ▶ Additional focused attention at the fixation position increases this overestimation. ▶ Attention-induced spatial overestimation is not specific to the locus of fixation. ▶ Rather, spatial distortion is centered around any locus of attention. ▶ This spatial distortion affects perception up to 8° away from the attentional locus.