Cleveland Clinic specialists discussed the nature of visual effects that some people observe with their eyes closed.
Cleveland Clinic specialists explained the nature of visual effects that sometimes appear in people in the dark with their eyes closed. This was reported by HuffPost.
These are known as phosphenes — flashes of light, patterns, and colored images that occur without an external light source. Such effects are formed directly in the human brain.
According to doctors, people can see geometric shapes, light spots, colorful bursts, or even moving silhouettes.
Experts note that this phenomenon occurs quite often and usually poses no danger to health. Despite the similarity to hallucinations, phosphenes are not associated with mental disorders and have a physiological nature.
However, doctors emphasize that in some cases, such visual effects require attention. If they are accompanied by double vision, deterioration of vision, or other alarming symptoms, this may indicate problems with the retina, consequences of head injuries, or neurological disorders. If additional symptoms appear or if such phenomena suddenly intensify, it is better not to delay consulting a specialist.
