Why Do I See Colors When I Close My Eyes?

Every day, hour and second of our day, our body is in operation, fulfilling different functions and physiological tasks that we are often not aware of. Often, we become aware of some physiological phenomenon for which we have no answer or whose action we did not fully know. For example, have you ever wondered why, when we close our eyes, we often perceive a mix of colors, patterns, and lights that seem to appear from nowhere.

This mysterious and fascinating experience has intrigued people of all ages and cultures throughout history. From the vibrant hues that appear before our eyes when we are plunged into darkness to the subtle explosions of light that appear when we press our eyelids; Seeing color in the blackness of our thoughts is a phenomenon that has inspired profound questions about the nature of our mind and perception. 

In this article, we will delve into the intriguing perception of colors when closing our eyes, exploring and understanding the complexity of visual physiology, thus promoting the importance of self-discovery and observation of our body and its physiological functions.

Physiology of vision

Vision is one of the most amazing and complex senses we have, which is under constant research and revision. Before diving into the phenomenon of seeing colors when closing our eyes, it is essential to understand how our visual perception works under normal conditions.

Our eyes are incredible organs that act as windows to the world around us. Light entering the pupil passes through the lens and is focused on the retina, a layer of photosensitive cells at the back of the eye. These cells, known as rods and cones, convert light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. Once in the brains, these signals are processed and assembled into a coherent image that we perceive as our vision. But what happens when we close our eyes? The answer is that the external light source is eliminated, plunging us into darkness.

However, the vision does not stop completely. Our mind remains active, and that is when the intriguing visual phenomena that lead us to see colors and patterns in the blackness begin to manifest. To fully understand why we see colors when we close our eyes, we must explore how our brain interprets and processes visual information in the absence of external visual stimuli.

Eye closure and visual stimuli

Closing the eyes marks a significant change in the visual conditions to which we are exposed. When we decide to close our eyelids, the light that previously stimulated our eyes is effectively blocked, plunging us into darkness. At first glance, it seems that we should be completely isolated from any visual experience. However, our minds have a surprising way of keeping us busy even in total darkness.

The absence of external light does not mean that visual activity stops completely. Our brain, the master organ of perception, continues to function and process information even when our eyes are closed. This brain activity is the key to understanding why we see colors when we close our eyes.

Darkness is actually a kind of blank canvas onto which our brain can project a variety of images and patterns. This is possible thanks to the complex interaction between the brain regions responsible for visual perception. Instead of turning off their operation when the light fades, these areas remain active, generating a type of “visual noise” that manifests itself as flashes, spots and, in many cases, colors when we close our eyes.

The phenomenon of seeing colors when closing your eyes

A fundamental explanation for this phenomenon is found in the electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain, especially in the visual cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing visual information. When external light is turned off when you close your eyes, the receptor cells in the retina stop sending signals to the brain. However, the brain does not remain inactive; instead, it begins to generate its own signals. 

One theory that explains the appearance of colors when closing the eyes is the activity of “phosphenes.” Phosphenes are a type of flashes of light or patterns that form in the mind when pressure is applied to the eyes or stimulated in some way. For example, by gently pressing closed eyelids, it is possible to generate phosphenes that appear as spots or flickering lights. 

Phosphenes are the result of the excitation of visual cells in the brain in the absence of external stimuli. These cells activate and transmit signals to the visual cortex, which in turn interprets these signals as colors and patterns. This explains why, when we close our eyes, we can see colors that seem to appear and disappear, often in a hypnotic dance in the dark.

Phosphene phenomenon

As we have been commenting, the perceptual experience of seeing colors when closing the eyes has been mainly explained by phosphenes. Phosphenes are autonomous visual phenomena that occur when the retina or visual cells in the brain are stimulated without the presence of external light. They can manifest as flashes of light, spots, geometric patterns, or even vivid colors. There are several ways to induce phosphenes, and one of the most common is to gently press the closed eyelids with your fingers. This puts pressure on the eyes, stimulating cells in the retina and triggering the generation of visual signals in the brain.  

The explanation behind phosphenes lies in the excitation of nerve cells in the retina and visual cortex. When retinal cells are stimulated, whether by mechanical pressure, friction, or even changes in eye pressure, they send electrical signals to the brain. These signals are interpreted by the brain as visual information, and this is where the experience of seeing colors and patterns when you close your eyes comes into play. The intensity and variety of phosphenes can vary from person to person and from time to time. Some people may experience phosphenes as simple white flashes or points of light, while others may see a palette of vibrant colors and complex shapes. Factors such as applied pressure, duration of stimulation, and individual sensitivity can influence the appearance of phosphenes.

The phosphene phenomenon is not only relevant to understanding why we see colors when we close our eyes, but also has applications in scientific research and medicine. Scientists have used phosphenes to study visual function and brain activity, and doctors have explored their use in the rehabilitation of visually impaired patients.

Factors that influence the experience

The experience of phosphenes and the perception of colors when closing your eyes is surprising due to its variety and uniqueness. Although most people are able to describe its existence, it is not completely a phenomenon; Not all people have exactly the same experience. There are several factors that influence it and its intensity and nature. Some of these key factors are:

1. Eye pressure

The pressure exerted on closed eyelids can be a determining factor in the appearance of phosphenes and colors. Applying gentle or moderate pressure to the eyelids with your fingers stimulates retinal cells, which can intensify the visual experience.

2. Mechanical stimulation

In addition to eye pressure, other types of mechanical stimulation can trigger phosphenes and colors. For example, gently rubbing your eyes or massaging the area around your eyelids can generate patterns and lights in the dark.

3. Relaxation level

Mental and physical relaxation can increase the likelihood of experiencing colors when you close your eyes. In states of deep relaxation, such as meditation or quiet concentration, phosphenes and colors are more likely to be more vivid and persistent.

4. Previous visual fatigue

After a period of exposure to intense visual stimuli or eye fatigue, phosphenes may be experienced more prominently. This could be due to increased excitability of visual cells after light exposure.

5. Previous Lighting Environment

The environment you are in before you close your eyes can also have an impact on the experience. How your eyes adapt to the surrounding light or darkness can influence how colors appear when you close your eyes.

6. Medical Conditions

In some cases, medical or neurological conditions can affect visual perception when closing the eyes. Some people with migraines, for example, report unusual visual experiences when closing their eyes due to alterations in brain activity.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the phenomenon of seeing colors when closing the eyes is an intriguing manifestation of the complex interaction between visual physiology and brain activity. Through understanding phosphenes and other factors that influence this experience, we have partially unraveled the mystery behind colors in the dark. This phenomenon reminds us of our mind’s amazing ability to create a visual world of its own, even when we move away from external light.