Rubbing your eyes can cause “seeing stars” due to pressure on the eye, stimulating nerve cells and triggering visual effects.
Have you ever rubbed your eyes so hard that you started seeing stars or flashes of light?
This strange experience is more common than you might think. Many people wonder why this happens.
In this article, we will explore the science behind this phenomenon and what causes us to see these colorful lights.
What are Phosphenes?
When you rub your eyes, the colorful flashes you see are called “phosphenes.”
This term refers to the light sensations that occur without light entering the eye.
While it might sound like a modern discovery, phosphenes have been known for a long time.
Even ancient Greeks discussed similar experiences, with philosophers noting the strange lights seen after impact or pressure on the eyes.
How does it happen?
Rubbing your eyes creates pressure on the eyeballs.
This pressure affects the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
When you apply pressure, you activate special cells called ganglion cells in the retina.
Normally, these cells respond to light, but when you press your eyes, they send signals to your brain as if you are seeing actual light.
Angie Wen, a cornea surgeon, explains that sometimes the light we see comes from inside our eyes or from electrical stimulation of the brain.
This can confuse our brains, making us think we are experiencing light from the outside world.
The result is a burst of colorful lights or patterns.
“[Sometimes] we see light that actually comes from inside our eyes or from electric stimulation of the brain rather than from the outside world.
“These bursts of seemingly random intense and colourful lights are called phosphenes, and appear due to electrical discharges from the cells inside our eyes that are a normal part of cellular function.”
Not everyone sees the same thing when rubbing eyes
Some people report seeing diffuse blobs of color, while others might see quick-moving patterns that resemble psychedelic art.
The type of phosphenes you experience can vary based on how hard you rub your eyes.
Some people even describe seeing bright flashes of light, like a sky-blue glow.
This can indicate that you have pressed too hard on your eyes, which may lead to discomfort or even damage.
It’s essential to be gentle when rubbing your eyes to avoid potential harm.
Different types of Phosphenes
Phosphenes come in various forms.
The most common type is a diffuse blob of color.
When you rub your eyes, these blobs may seem to shift and change.
Other types can be scintillating, meaning they move quickly across your vision.
This type of phosphene can resemble fireworks or abstract art.
Interestingly, these visual effects can also relate to how our brain processes visual information.
Similar effects are seen with hallucinogenic drugs, which also interact with the visual system.
The potential risks of rubbing eyes
While it may be tempting to rub your eyes when they feel tired or itchy, doing so too hard can cause problems.
Excessive pressure can lead to irritation or injury.
It is best to avoid rubbing your eyes and instead, use a gentle touch.
If your eyes feel uncomfortable, consider using eye drops or a warm compress to relieve the discomfort.
If you experience persistent pain or changes in vision, it’s a good idea to consult an eye care professional.