Contents:
- Medical Video: Eye floaters, light flashes, posterior vitreous detachment - A State of Sight #36
- Why we can see flashes of colorful light when closing our eyes
- What if I see flashes of light without closing my eyes?
Medical Video: Eye floaters, light flashes, posterior vitreous detachment - A State of Sight #36
Try now, you close your eyes for a moment. What do you see? Most people will see colorful wavy shades every time they close their eyes or rub them. Maybe red, yellow, or green are twinkling and moving to and fro in your visibility, like a fireworks display. Actually, what makes us see lightning when we close our eyes?
Why we can see flashes of colorful light when closing our eyes
During this time you might assume that the pattern of flashes that appear flickering when the eyes are closed are the rest of the shadow from the light of the outer space that had just been seen before finally the view blackened. Even though, that's not it.
The colorful flashes you see are phospene. Phospenes are visual sensations that occur when the eyes are in a resting or closing state so that the view becomes pitch black. Well, did you know even when we close our eyes once, the nervous system of the vision is still busy sending visual signals to the brain?
Interestingly, the eyes do not need light to stimulate your vision. The pattern of the phospene light dancing in front of the eyes is thought to be caused by the electrical charge produced by the retina and still attached.
Phospene can also arise due to daily stimuli that put pressure on the eye (retina) such as sneezing which is quite intense, laughing, coughing, or when you stand too fast. Physical pressure on the retina then stimulates the nerves of the eye to eventually produce phospenes. That is why rubbing or pressing the eyeball while closing your eyes can also produce the same flash pattern. But remember, do not do it too often especially with intense pressure on purpose because it can harm the eyes.
The activity of electrical and mechanical signals received by this retina can create sparks of color or patterns that can change randomly. The frequency, duration, and type of effects that emerge are all influenced by which part of the neuron is stimulated at that time.
In addition, other physical factors such as low blood pressure or too little oxygen intake can increase the intensity of light flashes when closing your eyes.
What if I see flashes of light without closing my eyes?
If you see a pattern of flashes of light or certain patterns in visibility without closing your eyes, immediately contact your ophthalmologist. Because, this condition can indicate the retina is tense or interested. Even though it looks harmless and not painful, if left unchecked this condition can endanger your vision.
Therefore, immediately consult a doctor if you experience this. The doctor will make a diagnosis to find out the exact cause of your complaint. After that, the doctor will determine the right treatment. Maintain the health of your eyes by being sensitive to the conditions that arise that are marked by things you have never experienced before.
