Why We See Swirling Colors When Our Eyes Are Closed (2024)

FAQs

Why We See Swirling Colors When Our Eyes Are Closed? ›

These phosphenes are a normal part of how our eyes work. Our eyes don't turn off in the dark, but instead they create very weak internal signals that mimic light. These signals are constantly being made by the cells at the back of your eyes. The swirls and waves we see are made by changes in activity from these cells.

These phosphenes are a normal part of how our eyes work. Our eyes don't turn off in the dark, but instead they create very weak internal signals that mimic light. These signals are constantly being made by the cells at the back of your eyes. The swirls and waves we see are made by changes in activity from these cells.

If you press on your closed eyelids, you can cause pressure phosphenes to appear. You'll also see them when rubbing your eyes (if they're closed, of course). External sources can also produce them, such as when you're facing sunlight or the light in a room. Even heat can cause you to see colors with closed eyes.

When the eyes are closed, visual static may be related to the first level of visual hallucination. Eye pathologies or other neurological conditions can also be a cause of visual anomalies, including the appearance of visual static or other changes in perception.

Kaleidoscope vision describes a vision change that causes you to see things as if you were looking through a kaleidoscope. It's a type of visual disturbance that usually doesn't last very long and is often associated with migraine.

Closed-eye visual hallucinations are extremely rare and poorly understood isolated visualizations that emerge after eye closure. Unlike eyes-open visual hallucinations, closed-eye visualizations tend to extinguish with the attendant stream of visual processing that accompanies opening of the eyes.

These shapes and colours, called 'phosphenes', were reported as long ago as the time of the ancient Greeks. Rubbing your eyes increases the pressure within the eyeball and this pressure activates ganglion cells in the retina in the same way as light does.

According to Stefanie G. Schuman, MD, a retina specialist at Duke Eye Center, eye flashes and eye floaters are often caused by changes in the vitreous gel, the substance that gives the eye its shape. Those changes may result from aging, extreme near-sightedness, or a previous eye surgery.

Kaleidoscope vision is not a stand-alone condition, but rather a visual symptom of migraines or conditions like a brain injury or stroke. A person with kaleidoscope vision may perceive broken shapes and brilliantly colorful or scrambled images in their vision — much like looking through a kaleidoscope.

Phosphenes are those images of light or color that you can see while your eye is closed. This can happen when you rub your eyes or when you cough. It can also be a signal that you have a more serious condition, like head trauma.

Can high blood pressure cause flashing lights in the eyes? ›

The increased pressure can cause changes in blood flow to the retina, leading to various visual symptoms, including flashing lights or flickering sensations.

Phosphenes are the moving visual sensations of stars and patterns we see when we close our eyes. They are thought to be caused by the inherent electrical charges the retina produces even when it is in its "resting state" and not taking in a ton of information and light like it does when our eyes are open.

Closed-eye hallucinations are related to a scientific process called phosphenes. These occur as a result of the constant activity between neurons in the brain and your vision. Even when your eyes are closed, you can experience phosphenes. At rest, your retina still continues to produce these electrical charges.

Most people see splashes of colors and flashes of light on a not-quite-jet-black background when their eyes are closed. It's a phenomenon called phosphene, and it boils down to this: Our visual system — eyes and brains — don't shut off when denied light.

However, it can be a sign of serious underlying conditions, including stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, or retinal migraines. Because of that, it's important to see your healthcare provider after experiencing an episode of kaleidoscope vision, or if the vision changes last longer than an hour.

Kaleidoscope vision is most often a result of a visual migraine. The symptoms will usually pass in less than 60 minutes, and you may experience no headache pain at all. But it can signify something more serious, including a major eye condition that can threaten your vision, an upcoming stroke, or a brain injury.

Yes, anxiety can cause a person to see things that aren't real. Anxiety, especially in the high degree ranges, can affect vision, causing seeing things that aren't real. All anxiety symptoms subside as you contain your anxiety and reduce stress, including visual disturbances and hallucinations.

Visual snow syndrome may include visual symptoms, like: Seeing “snow” or “static” everywhere you look whether your eyes are open or closed. Seeing the dotted images with closed or open eyes is another unique feature of visual snow syndrome. Seeing objects trailing after the actual image is gone.

Why do I see things moving when they aren't? ›

Oscillopsia is a vision problem in which still objects seem to jump, jiggle, or vibrate due to a misalignment of the eyes or systems controlling balance. Blurred, jumpy vision can be difficult to live with. You may be able to treat the condition that caused your oscillopsia, or adjust to the change in your vision.

Most people can't focus on anything as close as a face at kissing distance so closing your eyes saves them from looking at a distracting blur or the strain of trying to focus. Kissing can also make us feel vulnerable or self-conscious and closing your eyes is a way of making yourself more relaxed.

Rubbing evokes pleasurable sensations in several ways. Firstly, reflex tearing from rubbing lubricates the ocular surface and can relieve discomfort and itch from dry eye. Secondly, pressure on the eyeball stimulates the vagus nerve which then slows the heart rate, relieving stress and inducing a sense of calm.

Vertigo may cause you to feel like you are floating, tilting, swaying, or whirling. Most cases of vertigo are caused by inner ear disorders, which send signals to your brain that aren't consistent with the signs your eyes and sensory nerves are receiving.

Floaters are small moving spots that appear in your field of vision. If you have a sudden increase in floaters, this may indicate damage or disease, and should be investigated by an eye specialist.

It's most often caused by migraine with aura. In some cases, kaleidoscope vision can be a symptom of more serious problems, including stroke, retinal damage, and serious brain injury, especially if the symptoms occur in only one eye.

Eye floaters happen when your vitreous humor (fluid) changes its thickness. This causes you to see squiggly lines or threads. Floaters usually happen as we get older and may not need treatment.

The bottom line. Seeing halos around lights could mean that you're developing a serious eye disorder such as cataracts or glaucoma. Occasionally, seeing halos around lights is a side effect of LASIK surgery, cataract surgery, or from wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.