Seeing strange swirls and wave patterns when closing your eyes is common and often linked to how the brain processes visuals.
Have you ever noticed strange swirls and wave patterns when you close your eyes?
Many people experience this phenomenon, especially when trying to fall asleep.
If you’ve found yourself in this situation, you are not alone. This article will explore why these colorful patterns appear and what they mean.
What are these patterns?
When you close your eyes, instead of seeing complete darkness, you might see bright colors or swirling shapes.
This experience can feel like looking through a kaleidoscope.
Some individuals describe it as distracting, making it harder to relax before sleep.
The science behind the phenomenon
According to Dr. Katrina Schmid, an associate professor at Queensland University of Technology, seeing these patterns is entirely normal.
There are a few reasons why this happens. One reason is related to the light that can still pass through your closed eyelids.
When you are in a bright room or outside, some light can filter through the skin of your eyelids.
This light can create a reddish hue because of the blood vessels present in the eyelids.
This is often why you might see dark red or pink colors when your eyes are closed in well-lit environments.
She continued: “Some light does go through your closed eyelids.
So you might see a dark reddish color because the lids have lots of blood vessels in them and this is the light taking on the color of the blood it passes through.”
Phosphenes: What are they?
Interestingly, you are more likely to see swirling patterns in complete darkness.
These visual sensations are known as “phosphenes.” Phosphenes occur when there is no actual light, but you still perceive light.
When your eyes are closed and in the dark, the cells at the back of your eyes continue to send weak signals to your brain.
These signals mimic light, leading to the sensation of seeing colors and patterns, even when no light is present.
“Our eyes don’t turn off in the dark, but instead they create very weak internal signals that mimic light,” the professor added.
“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. The blobs may be colored because the cells in your eyes that detect color also show this activity.”
How your brain interprets these signals
Your brain is always processing information, even when you are not aware of it.
When you close your eyes, the brain interprets these random signals from your eyes as visual images.
Since your brain cannot differentiate these signals from real light, it creates the illusion of seeing colors and shapes that aren’t actually there.
This process is entirely normal and part of how our vision works. It shows that our eyes are still active, even when we are not consciously using them.
“These signals are transmitted to the brain, and the brain interprets this random activity.
Your brain doesn’t know they weren’t produced by real light, so we think we’re seeing colored lights and patterns that are not there.
“It’s a kind of illusion,” she confirmed.
Seek help if patterns significantly change.
While seeing swirls and patterns is usually harmless, there are times when it could indicate a problem.
If you notice that these illusions change significantly or become more intense, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor or an eye specialist.
Conditions like retinal detachment or other eye issues can sometimes cause unusual visual sensations.
If you’ve been rubbing your eyes a lot or applying pressure to them, this could also lead to phosphenes.
Seeing strange patterns and colors when you close your eyes is a common experience for many people.
It is often harmless and can be explained by the way our eyes and brains work together.
Understanding that these visual phenomena are normal can help ease any concerns you may have.
However, if you notice any significant changes in your vision, it’s always best to seek professional advice.
Next time you find yourself watching those swirling colors as you drift off to sleep, remember that it’s just your brain interpreting signals from your eyes.
Embrace the experience, and let it guide you into a restful night.