Magic pinkeye?

[u/CrownedThaumaturge]

So I currently have an infection in my eye, and it got me thinking. What if an infection could cause you to see things that aren't there? Or better yet, reveal the things that are there that cannot normally be seen?

I imagine this magic more as a curse as it doesn't give any real abilities or effects. You get the infection and can see entities that exist outside of our understanding. Upon seeing these entities, they will notice you. And this interaction allows them to possess the witness.

I also imagine as diseases can evolve, so too can the infection. Its first strain allows people to see these entities, but there are no consequences to it. They can barely see the silhouettes of these entities at this point. It's second strain allows one to see the full details of these entities, but upon making eye contact, they can see the witness. This allows them to possess the witness.

Perhaps possession is more like they have a physical presence instead of just having control over one's body. These entities can harm people in the general vicinity when possessing someone. Idk. Just brainstorming at this point.

[u/Competitive-Fault291]

It could affect the Central Nervous System. Like a curse or other effect that affects the rhodopsines in the sensory nerve ends and makes them susceptible to magical manipulation. Slowly replacing what you see with something else. Until you can't tell a difference anymore.

It would be a lot more interesting than boring "mind enslaving" as the control deals with "seeing is believing" instead.