As a vision specialist with a background in neuroscience and ophthalmology, I have often been asked about the various visual phenomena that people experience when their eyes are closed. One of the most common questions pertains to the perception of a white circle or other shapes and patterns, which is a phenomenon known as phosphenes.

Phosphenes are the moving visual sensations of stars and patterns we see when we close our eyes. They are thought to be caused by the inherent electrical charges the retina produces even when it is in its "resting state" and not taking in a ton of information and light like it does when our eyes are open.

When we close our eyes, the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, is no longer receiving light. However, the cells within the retina, known as photoreceptor cells, are still active. These cells are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Even in the absence of light, these cells can sometimes fire spontaneously, creating what we perceive as light when there is none.

The perception of a white circle or other shapes during this time can be attributed to several factors:


1. Neurological Activity: The brain is an incredibly active organ, even when we are at rest. Random neural firings can occur, and when these reach the visual cortex, they can be interpreted as visual images.


2. Pressure on the Eyes: When you close your eyes, any pressure applied to the eyeballs, such as from rubbing or even the weight of your eyelids, can stimulate the photoreceptor cells, resulting in the perception of light or shapes.


3. Afterimages: If you have recently looked at a bright light or a pattern, closing your eyes can result in an afterimage. This is a kind of "negative" of what you were looking at, where the colors and shapes are often reversed.


4. Visual Persistence: The human visual system has a property known as persistence, where an image can continue to be seen for a short time after the light has been removed. This can contribute to the perception of shapes or patterns when the eyes are closed.


5. Ocular Movements: Even when your eyes are closed, they can still move slightly, and these movements can interact with the spontaneous firing of photoreceptor cells to create the perception of visual patterns.


6. Psychological Factors: Our expectations and mental state can also influence what we perceive. If you are expecting to see something when you close your eyes, your brain may be more likely to interpret random neural activity as a visual image.

It's important to note that while phosphenes are a normal part of human visual experience, if you notice a significant increase in these sensations or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, vision loss, or eye pain, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. These could be signs of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

In conclusion, the perception of a white circle or other visual patterns when closing your eyes is a complex interplay between the physiology of the eye, the activity of the brain, and the influence of external and internal factors. Understanding this phenomenon can provide insight into the intricate workings of human vision and the brain.

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Phosphenes are the moving visual sensations of stars and patterns we see when we close our eyes. They are thought to be caused by the inherent electrical charges the retina produces even when it is in its "resting state" and not taking in a ton of information and light like it does when our eyes are open.Jun 24, 2015read more >>