When you close your eyes, you can expect to see a variety of different shapes, from simple to complex. Common shapes people often encounter when their eyes are closed include circles, triangles, squares, hexagons and stars.
Depending on the individual’s imagination, they might also find that they are seeing more intricate shapes such as spirals, ovals or even shapes of animals and people. Some individuals may also experience seeing flashes of light or swirls of color when their eyes are closed.
The shapes that you see when you close your eyes can be affected by the environment you are in and the amount of relaxation that you are feeling. For example, if you are in a quiet place and are relaxed, you will be more likely to experience seeing a variety of shapes.
However, if you are in a loud and stimulating environment, you may be more likely to only experience flashes of light or swirls of color.
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Why do I see kaleidoscope patterns when I close my eyes?
When you close your eyes, the lack of stimulation on your retina causes the neurons in the visual cortex of your brain to become spontaneously active. This can result in the perception of a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes.
This phenomenon is known as phosphenes and is experienced by many people when they close their eyes in low light, or sometimes even in bright light.
Phosphenes happen when the neurons in the visual cortex fire, even though there is nothing stimulating them from the eyes. This can be caused by pressure on the eyeballs, motion, sound, or some other external factors.
The activity of the neurons is randomly firing and creating an internal display of lights and colors that results in the shapes we see when we close our eyes.
The exact mechanisms of phosphenes are not yet understood and there are many theories as to why they exist. Some scientists believe that phosphenes happen because the cortex has been deprived of visual stimuli, which increases its neural activity.
Others believe that phosphenes could be a result of an electrical buildup of ions in the neurons or even deeper underlying processes in the brain.
No matter the cause, it’s clear that the patterns seen in phosphenes are an interesting way for our brains to entertain us when there is nothing stimulating to see.
Is it normal to see colors and patterns when you close your eyes?
Yes, it is normal to see colors and patterns when you close your eyes. As the eyes relax and the eyelids fall, the single image of the world around you fades away, replaced with swirling and flowing shapes, bright and vibrant colors, and patterns.
This phenomenon is known as phosphenes.
Phosphenes are caused by the subtle and gentle stimulation of the cells and nerves in the vision system. This stimulation arises from ever-changing electrical currents in the eyes. It is also possible for people to generate phosphenes through conscious effort, such as by voluntarily tightening and relaxing the muscles behind and around the eyes or gently rubbing the closed eye lids.
Such physical stimulation causes a release of a continuous stream of electrical pulsations through the visual system, creating the varieties of shapes, colors, and patterns known as phosphenes.
While phosphenes are common, it is important to see an optometrist or other eye care professional if you notice unusual or increased experiences with them. A sudden increase in the frequency or intensity of the phosphenes could be a sign of an underlying vision condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment.
Why do I see flashing lights when trying to sleep?
If you’re seeing flashing lights when trying to sleep, it could be a sign of a medical condition called photic sneeze reflex or photic sneeze syndrome. This is a condition in which exposure to bright lights triggers a sneeze reflex, usually accompanied by a sensation of light flashes or sparkles.
It’s thought to affect about 18-35% of the population, and it’s more common in those with fair skin and light-colored eyes. The condition is harmless and doesn’t have any long-term health effects, but it can be disruptive if it’s interfering with your sleep.
Such as wearing sunglasses at night when tackling the light sensitivity, taking antihistamines, or avoiding sudden and bright light transitions. Many people also find that listening to relaxing music or meditation before sleep can help to keep the effects of the photic sneeze reflex at bay.
Can high blood pressure cause flashing lights in eyes?
No, high blood pressure is not directly associated with flashing lights in the eyes, but it is a potential symptom of an underlying eye condition. The most common cause of flashing lights in the eyes is a condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
PVD occurs when the jelly-like substance inside the eye — the vitreous — pulls away from the retina. This can cause flashes of light and blurred vision. Other common causes of flashing lights include a retinal tear or detachment and problems with blood vessels in or around the retina.
While high blood pressure does not directly cause flashing lights, it can increase your risk of having them. High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels, which can lead to blockages that cause retinal damage.
This damage can in turn increase your risk of having retinal problems, such as PVD, retinal tears, and detachments, which could lead to the presence of flashing lights.
How common are closed eye hallucinations?
Closed-eye hallucinations (CEHs) are relatively common experiences, especially among individuals who frequently engage in meditation, self-awareness activities, or sensory deprivation practices. Studies have reported that approximately 50-75% of healthy adults have experienced some form of CEHs, usually in the form of visual hallucinations.
Some people have also reported auditory and tactile hallucinations in response to hypnagogic and hypnopompic states. Common examples of CEHs include geometric shapes, colors, patterns, and animation-like sequences.
While CEHs are often reported as pleasant experiences, they can be distressing for those who are not expecting or prepared for them. It is important to remember that CEHs are relatively common, and it may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional if the experience is cause for concern.
Are phosphenes normal?
Yes, phosphenes are a completely normal phenomenon. They’re a type of visual disturbance that can happen when the eyes are closed or when there is a lack of light. They can occur after rubbing the eyes or being exposed to bright lights, a lack of sleep, or even concussions and other physical traumas.
Common phosphenes include stars, circles, flashes of light, and shimmering dots. Most people experience them at one point in their life, so they are very normal.
Do our eyes roll back when we sleep?
Yes, our eyes can roll back when we sleep. This is known as nystagmus and it occurs when tiny muscles located inside our eyes weaken or relax during sleep. This involuntary movement is most noticeable when lying down and can be seen by the movement of the eyes beneath the lids.
Some people experience nystagmus more than others and the phenomenon can be more pronounced when one is lying on their back. Generally, most people do not notice this movement when they look in the mirror because it cannot be observed while the eyes are open.
In some cases, nystagmus can be a symptom of a neurological condition and should be discussed with a doctor, especially if it becomes more pronounced or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Do phosphenes go away?
Phosphenes can go away naturally or they can persist. Natural phosphenes, which form in response to mechanical, electrical, or thermal stimulus, usually vanish quickly upon stimulus cessation. These may not be detectable or noticeable to the person experiencing them.
Persistent phosphenes, which are caused by disease or trauma, may last for minutes, hours, or even months depending on the severity of the underlying cause. Treatment for persistent phosphenes can include eye drops, medications, vision therapy, or surgery, depending on what is causing the problem.
Therefore, it is best to consult with an eye care professional if you are concerned about your phosphenes.
Why am I seeing floating dots?
Floating dots are a common optical illusion caused by the phenomenon known as “cladoptic illusion. ” When two objects overlap or appear near each other, light is often scattered and reflected in different directions.
This can create a faint visual effect of overlapping dots that seems to float above the surface of the objects. This can sometimes occur when looking at a flat surface, such as a wall or a computer screen.
It is caused by imperfections in the material’s texture or reflecting points of light that we can’t normally see, such as bright reflections from light fixtures. This illusion can also be seen in areas with a lot of contrast between light and dark tones, such as when looking through a window on a bright day.
Does everyone see dots when they close their eyes?
No, everyone does not see dots when they close their eyes. Some people experience something called an afterimage. An afterimage is a type of optical illusion where a person sees an image that was not actually there.
This happens when a person is exposed to a bright light and then closes their eyes. They will see a faint image of the original light source. It is typically an orange, yellow, or purple circle or halo in front of their eyes.
In addition to this, different people may experience different visions when they close their eyes. Some may experience colors, lights, or patterns, while others report seeing nothing at all. In any case, the vision will slowly fade away.
Is it normal to see floating dots?
It is not uncommon to see floating dots, but this could be caused by a variety of different things. It could simply be a natural occurrence, a result of some kind of damage to your eyes, such as dry eyes or an infection, or it could be caused by a medical condition such as a vitreous detachment or a retinal tear.
In some cases, it is even possible for the dots to be caused by a more serious issue, such as certain types of intraocular tumors. It is important to monitor any vision disturbances, including floating dots, and to speak to your doctor if they don’t go away or if they become more frequent or bothersome.
Your doctor may want to conduct a medical or optical examination to determine the potential cause of the dots before providing treatment.
Can dehydration cause floaters?
No, dehydration cannot directly cause floaters. Floaters are primarily caused by age-related changes in the vitreous gel of the eye, a gel-like substance that forms a cushion between the lens and the retina.
When the vitreous gel shrinks and moves away from the retina it can form small clumps of protein or other cellular debris suspended in the vitreous, which are visible as tiny spots, threads and cobweb-like images.
These are known as floaters. Although dehydration can cause a variety of issues with your vision, it cannot directly cause floaters. However, dehydration may contribute to existing floaters and exacerbate the symptoms by irritating the sensitive globule cells within the eye.
To avoid any further irritation and complications, it is important to drink plenty of water and keep your body hydrated.
When should I worry about floaters?
Floaters are a common eye condition that can cause spots, lines, or cobweb-like shapes to appear in your vision. While they typically aren’t an indication of a medical issue, you should consult an eye care professional if you have new floaters or if they become particularly bothersome.
In general, you should be worried about floaters if they lead to a sudden or dramatic increase in severity, sudden flashes of light in your vision, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, as these could indicate a more serious eye condition.
Additionally, if you notice any pain, redness, or vision changes, this could be a sign of an underlying eye problem that requires immediate medical attention. As floaters are a common condition, it’s important to consult with a medical professional to determine the cause and to ensure prompt treatment if necessary.
How do I get rid of floaters?
Floaters are small spots that appear on a person’s vision in the form of specks, cobwebs, or strings. They are caused by changes in the vitreous humour, the gel-like fluid that fills the eye. While floaters can be bothersome, they typically pose very little risk to vision and do not require any specific treatment.
However, if you are experiencing a lot of floaters or are noticing additional signs such as flashes of light, you should contact your ophthalmologist right away as these might be indications of a more serious eye condition.
In most cases, floaters can be managed with lifestyle changes such as reducing screen time or taking frequent breaks from near vision tasks. If necessary, your doctor may also suggest an eyewear solution such as anti-glare glasses or non-prescription lenses with a mild anti-glare coating to reduce the impact of the floaters.
There are also some vision exercises that can be performed to reduce the perception of floaters, but these should only be done at the recommendation of an eye care professional.
In some cases, you may be able to opt for surgical treatment to get rid of your floaters. Vitrectomy is a procedure that involves removing the vitreous to reduce or eliminate floaters. However, this option carries a variety of risks, including vision loss, infection, retinal detachment, and cataract formation.
So, while vitrectomy can be successful in eliminating floaters in some cases, it should be considered only as a last resort.
