Many of us have experienced seeing flashes of light or colours when we close our eyes, sneeze or rub them. Instead of darkness, we perceive light and colours when our eyes are closed. But why does this happen?
When we close our eyes especially in daylight or in a bright room, we might notice deep reddish hues on the back of our eyelids. This occurs because our eyes have numerous blood vessels.
However, it often happens that when we close our eyes in darkness, we start seeing different colours and shapes.
These visual sensations are referred to in medical terminology as phosphenes. Essentially, they are a sensation of light that doesn’t result from actual light.
The retina in our eyes converts incoming visual details into an electrical signal through the optic nerve. This electrical signal is then sent to the brain which interprets it as what we are seeing. However, in darkness, we are deprived of visual stimuli and our eyes generate weak signals that mimic light.
These signals create patterns in the visual cortex of the brain and since the brain can’t comprehend that it’s not real light, we perceive colourful lights and patterns that aren’t actually there.
Pressure on the eyes such as rubbing them can also induce the experience of phosphenes. When you press on your closed eyes, you may see a circle of light amidst the darkness.
While seeing colours and patterns when closing our eyes can be fascinating, it’s generally a normal phenomenon. However, if these visual sensations persist for extended periods or are accompanied by other symptoms, it might be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
