Closing your eyes and seeing weird swirling shapes. What you see is real light — and it’s coming from inside your eyes. Jun 19, 2022 · They come when you close your eyes and rub them with your fingers,” says Ragnheidur. Learn key causes, warning signs, and when to see a doctor to protect your vision. Learn more. On the other hand, some see random pixels. May 24, 2025 · Kaleidoscope Vision: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Explained. All of a sudden my vision (with my eyes closed) is filled with these strange patterns / spinning fractal looking shapes; it's very hard to explain, but it felt like a jumbled up mess. Learn about the causes and what you should do. However, there is some detailed explanation of closed-eye hallucination in medical science. It usually doesn’t last long. Sep 8, 2025 · Discover what kaleidoscope vision without a headache means. When lying in bed and trying to fall asleep, with my eyes closed and thoughts mostly empty, I frequently experience visual patterns in response to loud or sudden noises. Jan 9, 2025 · Visual distortions, or visual disturbances, cause changes in eyesight, such as blurry or wavy vision. Apr 14, 2019 · You’re busy doing your thing when unexpectedly your vision goes a little amusing. But if we rub our eyes, the cells in the retina will still be activated. It is much like camera noise in low light conditions This happens when you touch or rub your closed eyes, or even squeeze them tightly closed, because the pressure stimulates your retina and makes your brain perceive light. Aug 14, 2025 · Find out what you need to know about seeing stars in your vision, and discover the reason for them, the risks, and how it may affect your health. Feb 10, 2025 · Astigmatism Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of your eye is irregularly shaped, leading to blurry or distorted vision. Some of the images may also move or create a swirling effect. Learn what can cause these visual hallucinations, how your doctor will test for them Jun 25, 2015 · What Are Those Images We See When We Close Our Eyes June 25, 2015 You lay in bed and shut the lights out, the minute you close your eyes you notice images. Apr 12, 2024 · Explore the spiritual significance, connection to chakras, and symbolism of seeing colors when eyes are closed. It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. However, retinal migraines can also cause kaleidoscope vision, alongside temporary vision loss Nov 9, 2024 · Ever closed your eyes and seen colors dancing? This can mean you're waking up spiritually. Noticed flashes of light or sparkles in your vision? Before you rush to make a doctor’s appointment, take a deep breath. Fortunately, astigmatism is Seeing colors when you shut your eyes? You're not imagining it. Taking to his Instagram page, the London-based doctor said the weird Jan 13, 2025 · You climb into bed, crawl under the covers, and close your eyes, ready to drift off. Welcome back! What’s the first thing you saw? Most people see splashes of colors and flashes of light on a not-quite-jet-black background when their eyes are closed. Jun 23, 2024 · You lie down in bed, crawl under the covers, and close your eyes, ready to drift into slumber. They can appear as colours, shapes, floating stars, planets, or distant galaxies. Red visions can carry deep cultural symbolism and emotional resonance. Learn more, here. Jun 22, 2013 · With eyes closed, since there is no external input, the geometric hallucination should reflect the architecture of the brain; more specifically, the architecture of the visual cortex. Most of us have experienced lines, dots and colourful patterns just before we go to sleep. What you are “seeing” are called “ phosphenes. So what's happening when you see these 2001-esque "stars"? Do they only occur upon rubbing? Does everyone experience them? waking up seeing swirling/moving geometric shapes usually when eyes are closed. But suddenly, instead of being met with pitch black and the ability to let your mind wander and body relax, you see spirals of color, zig-zags and it's Nov 3, 2018 · Sometimes the noggin’s wiring goes haywire and sends phantom cues called phosphenes. These visual disturbances can affect one or both eyes. This can happen when the brain is in a relaxed state and can produce vivid visual experiences. It’s often associated with the root chakra, grounding you to the earth and symbolizing a May 19, 2021 · Furthermore, we can also see “phosphenes” – visual sensations of stars and patterns – when we close our eyes due to the inherent electrical charges in the retina when it is “resting. Closed-eye hallucinations and closed-eye visualizations (CEV) are hallucinations that occur when one's eyes are closed or when one is in a darkened room. : r/YouShouldKnow Go to YouShouldKnow r/YouShouldKnow r/YouShouldKnow MembersOnline Mar 16, 2024 · Queensland University of Technology School of Optometry Professor Katrina Schmid, explains why there is usually no harm in seeing these patterns when your eyes are closed. Hanneke Weitering • December 29, 2014 Phosphenes can appear as geometric patterns as well as random spots of color. Jun 2, 2024 · Seeing stars is usually harmless, but there are times when seeing sparkles of light like glitter can be a sign of a serious condition that requires treatment. The impact might get a larger or smaller size. Feb 5, 2024 · Fascinated by the spiritual significance of seeing colors with closed eyes? Uncover profound insights and a new perspective in this enlightening exploration. Its nerve cells (photoreceptors and others) can only appreciate a stimulus in one way: by “seeing” light of various wavelengths and intensity. You may see sparkles or shapes like lightning bolts. ” [5] You can activate phosphenes by gently rubbing your eye when your eyelid is closed (not too much pressure or you might damage the eye). They should not be confused with phosphenes, perceived light and shapes when pressure is applied to the eye's retina, or some other non-visual external cause stimulates the eye. Learn more here. You should see a ring of light emerge on the opposite side! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 70 votes, 31 comments. Sep 24, 2024 · What Causes Kaleidoscope Vision? A visual migraine usually causes kaleidoscope vision. It can be nothing, or it can be a symptom of another condition. Astigmatism can affect both near and distant vision and may come with other symptoms like headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing at night. The retina is analogous to film in a camera, located at the very back of the eye. They are the tiny stars that blur your vision when you whack your head or rub your eyes. What does it mean to see colors when you close your eyes? Seeing colors when you close your eyes is a normal phenomenon called hypnagogic imagery. Feb 11, 2018 · When in need of a quick psychedelic trip on a budget, everyone knows the fine art of squishing their eyes to see an in-head display of fuzzy colors, swirling visuals, and black and white I think the weird patterns are light coming through your eyelids. Anybody else have this weird sensation when closing your eyes to sleep? A feeling of some object rapidly changing in scale and size? Are you experiencing unusual visual symptoms like seeing things moving in your peripheral vision that aren't there? Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition from Statcare's ophthalmology team. My commute to work is always educational (and fun) with the Naked Scientists on board. Aug 25, 2019 · Flashing zigzag lines or heat waves in vision can mean ocular migraine — but sometimes point to retinal detachment. The colors show the state of your chakras. When we close our eyes, it gets dark. Phosphenes are a kind of visual MS symptom in which unusual swirls or flashes of light appear when eyes are closed due to pressure against the eyeball. I have dealt with insomnia for quite some time, so when I lie down and don't sleep right the way, my mind tends to wander and then they will eventually come. Aug 18, 2021 · Closing your Eyes and Seeing Weird Swirling Shapes -by Ishita Mondal –Reading Time – 7 min Approx –Edited by – Srishti Bhattacharyya Have you ever paid attention to what see when you close your eyes? Most of the time, with closed eyes, we see weird swirling shapes. Northwest Eye is the leading provider of cataract surgery and eye care services for patients throughout Minnesota. Oct 13, 2021 · An ocular migraine, also called a visual migraine, creates the aura associated with a migraine, but without the telltale headache. Thanks for all of the time you put into this and keep up the good work. Aug 1, 2024 · Have you ever seen flashes of light in the corner of your eyes and wondered what it could be? Learn about common causes and when to seek treatment. does anyone else, when they close their eyes, see weird patterns moving around, almost like a screensaver? it’s like random… Closed-eye hallucinations are a type of visual hallucination that occurs when a person sees vivid images, shapes, or patterns with their eyes closed. It also responds to physical pressure – you can test this by gently pressing on the side of your closed eye to stimulate the retinal cells. so bizarre and kind of scaring me. They’re common and usually not a cause for concern. If symptoms get worse or appear suddenly, get emergency medical attention. So rubbing your closed eyes creates pressure on many of the retinal nerve cells that is perceived as patterns of Jun 24, 2015 · You close your eyes and right before you fall asleep, you notice something; a twinkling, swirling pattern of stars and colors producing a make-shift light show on the inside of your closed eyelids. Jan 25, 2024 · Have you noticed flashes or threads of light in the corners of your eye and wondered what’s going on? Flashes in your eye are a type of photopsia or vision disturbance. Areas of your vision may just vanish and go dark, or you may still be able to ‘see’ however things you Dec 16, 2016 · If your floaters are severe enough to impair your vision, your doctor may recommend vitrectomy surgery. Learn more about causes and when to see a doctor. Read the spritual meaning of seeing colors when eyes are closed: seeing white, red, green, blue, and yellow. Jun 11, 2024 · A scientist has explained the phenomenon of observing patterns and colors when your eyes are closed. To date, over 100 eyes with significant floaters have undergone limited vitrectomy surgery. They’re a visual happening that may or may not be a sign of a more serious condition. Aug 2, 2019 · Try it — close your eye; I’ll wait. Feb 5, 2024 · Hone in on the profound spiritual meanings behind closed eye hallucinations and discover the insights they offer into your inner world and spiritual connection. Keep r Feb 23, 2024 · Have you ever closed your eyes and seen a vivid shade of red that made you wonder about its spiritual significance? This experience isn’t just a random light show. It is typically a symptom of an ocular migraine or a migraine with aura, but it also occurs with conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and diabetes. Such visual effects are sometimes called closed Jan 24, 2025 · Yet, strangely, we're more likely to see swirls, colors, waves and patterns when we close our eyes in the dark, which also has a scientific explanation. Dec 29, 2014 · Blogs Why do we see colors with our eyes closed? Those mysterious blobs and patterns that bedazzle the backs of your eyelids are no illusion. Let’s start with the almost-black What are the swirling patterns that many people see when they shut their eyes? The swirling patterns that many people see when they shut their eyes are called phosphenes. I don't see any brief glimpse of an image, though. Jun 24, 2024 · An NHS doctor has explained why people often see strange patterns and lights when they close their eyes – and the phenomenon is incredibly common, it would seem Sep 7, 2025 · Kaleidoscope vision is a temporary vision change, usually lasting less than an hour, that causes you to see fractured images, shapes, and swirling colors. Those shapes and colours are called ‘phosphenes’. ” Have you ever closed your eyes during a meditation session and witnessed a symphony of colors dancing behind your eyelids? If so, you’re not alone. Apr 23, 2025 · Photopsia is a symptom of several medical conditions that affect the structures inside the eye, the optic nerve, and even the brain. Oct 28, 2024 · While we clearly can’t “see” the real world when our eyes are closed, many of us do start to notice patterns, shapes, and colours when our retinas are deprived of light. Rather than seeing objects clearly, you might notice that they appear stretched or wavy. “Our eyes don’t turn off in the dark, but instead they create very weak internal signals that mimic light. What are some possible explanations for why people see these swirling patterns? What I'm talking about is what you see at night when you're in bed and your eyes are closed but you're not asleep yet. Dec 26, 2023 · Closed-eye hallucinations, are vivid visual imagery that an individual experiences while their eyes are closed. Remember, this is just a general guideline, so if you are seeing strange visual changes, you should see your doctor to be sure what you are seeing is normal and not a serious medical problem. If I'm under the influence of substances, even alcohol, then it would be more likely for me to see weird geometry when I close my eyes. But what is this image? Many people view this phenomenon as a light-induced afterimage of what one has seen before closing their For the research and discussion of the condition called "Visual Snow" and "Visual Snow Syndrome" or "Visual Static" What Is Visual Snow / static? Visual Snow & Static is a transitory or persisting visual symptom where people see snow or television like static in parts or the whole of their visual fields, especially against dark backgrounds. Such kinds of visual effects are known as closed-eye hallucinations since the objects that you are seeing are not actually Jan 23, 2024 · A while back, we explained what those weird floating things are that you sometimes see in your vision; little blobs of tissue, protein clumps, and red blood cells. Jun 25, 2024 · Dr Sermed Mezher, an NHS doctor, explains in an Instagram post that seeing swirling patterns or flashes of light when closing your eyes is a normal experience, particularly common in childhood. Learn more about photophenes and what those colors in your vision mean. It seems to move circularly with a bright hue around it, and these colorful swirling shapes often make us perplexed about Jun 10, 2024 · A scientist has revealed why you sometimes see patterns and colors when you close your eyes. In some people, when they close their eyes, they are able to see light, colors, and shapes. Sep 23, 2024 · Seeing flashes of light or colors when you rub your eyes is usually due to phosphenes, a visual phenomenon, but it can also indicate retinal detachment. The first time it happened, my roommate's Macintosh computer emitted an unexpected and loud 'bonk' noise as an Jul 18, 2024 · Oscillopsia is a vision problem that makes it seem like your surroundings are moving when they’re actually still. Aug 7, 2023 · So, having purple eyes could be seen as a symbol of these qualities. But also your visual part of the brain can be stimulated not just through your eyes, but you also see colours when you rub your eyes, bang your head, these are the result of information Search for jobs related to Closing your eyes and seeing weird swirling shapes or hire on the world's largest freelancing marketplace with 24m+ jobs. Aug 26, 2017 · Close your eyes right now. Does anyone randomly get closed eyed hallucinations while trying to sleep, sometimes my mind is just super active and a get rotating blobs of colour, I can change these colours by thinking of another. Oct 22, 2024 · Photopsia is a visual phenomenon that causes a person to see floaters, flashes, or flickering lights. Fun fact The layer at the back of your eye (retina) sends signals to your brain in response to light. Sometimes, it seems Seeing swirling shapes is not the only example of closed-eye hallucination. Photopsias (Eye Flashes) A photopsia is a visual disturbance, a flash of light that happens without a light source. Oct 13, 2021 · What does it mean when you see Halos, Floaters or Rainbows? When changes appear in your vision, especially if they are something you’ve never experienced before, it can be unsettling. You may discover shapes or colors or motion in your vision, not right in the center but simply off to the side. Your eyes are connected to your brain through particular pathways. Seeing a speck in your vision is probably nothing, but if you suddenly see a burst of floaters and/or flashes, you may be looking at a medical emergency. Here’s what’s going on, and when (if ever) you should be concerned. Jan 26, 2024 · When you close your eyes, you may be able to “see” colors, shapes, and light. They are called 'phosphenes', which are sensations of light people can 'see' when there is no actual light to cause them. In many traditions, red is the color of life, passion, and energy. Apr 2, 2018 · Eleonora Lad, MD, PhD retina specialist contributed to this article. Floaters: Small dark or outlined shapes move when your eyes move most easily seen in bright or white backgrounds Oct 3, 2010 · If I am in a dark room and I rub my closed eyes, why does it appear that I see bright lights or vivid color patterns? I have been enjoying your podcasts for a couple of years. Jun 24, 2024 · These squiggles are a completely normal occurrence, particularly for children, says health expert Dr Sermed Mezher. You get into bed, tuck yourself in and close your eyes ready to try and claw seven hours sleep to prepare yourself for another day in the rat race. These colors can appear as swirls, blobs, dots, or consistent flashes. Apr 24, 2023 · Simply put, closed-eye hallucinations are hallucinations that occur when your eyes are closed. It may move quicker or slower or not at all. Usually, whatever pattern I happen to see when I close my eyes just keeps repeating in a flowing manner, but it's very flowy and organic and they gradually change as they go on. anyone experienced this? I'll wake up out the blue and for a while I'll see these geometric shapes tunnelling into new ones. Many times, these images may also be moving and creating a swirling pattern or effect. Learn when to see an eye doctor to find the cause and get treatment right away. 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. Tap to learn more. Other visual abnormalities such as seeing rainbows around lights, abnormal color vision, and distorted vision are discussed as well. When we rub our eyes, we activate the cells that tend to take in real light, such as that from a lamp or from the sun. It's likely happened to you before: You start rubbing your eyes and almost immediately begin seeing colors, specks, and swirls from behind your closed lids. These can be signs of something more serious. Messages for you. Apr 5, 2023 · Phosphenes are colors or flashes you see when your eyes are closed. Jan 16, 2025 · Flickering colors behind closed eyes conceal hidden truths about your soul, but dare to gaze deeper and uncover the mysteries that lie within. It’s called photopsia, and while it can sometimes signal an underlying issue, it’s often completely harmless. Pressure on your eyes can cause a change, as well as different types of light resulting in different colors. It is also not surprising if somebody sees objects like a house, tree, human being, etc. You shouldn't stress, but rather prepare for the following minutes . Feb 8, 2021 · Seeing flashes of light is a symptom of many different conditions. Ocular Symptoms and Conditions: Floaters, Flashing lights, Rainbows, Abnormal Color Vision, Distorted Vision This page discusses unusual visual phenomenon such as floaters and different types of flashing lights. 1 day ago · Welcome to the fascinating world where meditation transcends the boundaries of the mind and taps into the realm of the senses – “Seeing Colors During Meditation. Sep 2, 2024 · Oscillopsia makes still environments appear to move, causing challenges in daily tasks like walking or reading due to shaky vision. Hypnagogic hallucinations are brief hallucinations that happen as you’re falling asleep. . This causes your brain’s nerve cells to fire erratically, causing pain, aches, and visual disruptions. This is the result of your brain ‘seeing’, interpreting and offering stimuli to you. Decided to draw what they look like. But suddenly, instead of pitch-black darkness, you see swirling, colorful spirals, as if you were looking through a kaleidoscope or watching a scene from the Disney movie Fantasia. These images are typically similar to those that a person might see with their eyes open, but they can also be more abstract and fantastical. Jun 25, 2024 · A doctor has shared the surprising reason why we see patterns when we close our eyes. This is a common floaters treatment in California that involves removing the vitreous fluid from the eye and replacing it with a salt solution. Mar 3, 2024 · Many people report seeing colors when they close their eyes, even when not meditating. Some people experience a sprinkle of lights when they close their eyes. Nov 28, 2024 · Kaleidoscope vision is usually caused by ocular migraine, but causes can include ministroke, retinal damage, and migraine. May 21, 2007 · Over the past three terms, I've become aware of a strange connection between sounds and visual images in my mind. If you’ve ever experienced seeing halos, floaters or rainbows around lights and wondered what caused it, then you’re in the right place! Read on to… YSK: If you suddenly experience a distortion/ blur in the center of your view field that won't let you see details or read and can be seen even with your eyes closed, you are most likely experiencing scintillating scotoma. Feb 17, 2023 · Kaleidoscope vision describes a vision change that causes you to see things as if you were looking through a kaleidoscope. They seem to be swirling lit up stars and colors that are producing a light show on the inside of your eyelids. I occasionally see weird flashing lines that make a blind spot in my vision in the shape of a big C. Learn techniques to enhance spiritual vision and discover scientific explanations. But suddenly, instead of pure darkness, you see colorful swirling patterns, as if you are looking through a kaleidoscope or watching a scene from Disney’s Fantasia. They’re different from retinal migraines, which happen in one eye and cause scintillations or scotomas. Do you see flashes or colour or light? What you're seeing is visual phenomenon known as 'phosphene'. Closed-eye hallucinations are quite different from other forms of visual hallucinations, which are Nov 12, 2024 · When you see something that’s not really there, it can be scary, but there’s usually a clear reason for it. sfw9jm iwcnah xkhpv sqw reg zvg10sq 5ycaitg 2in 99sz bsi6kyx6