As a vision specialist, I can provide an in-depth explanation for the phenomenon you're experiencing. When you close your eyes and see red, you're likely observing a type of visual sensation known as phosphenes. These are the moving visual sensations of stars, patterns, or colors that can be perceived even in the absence of light. The experience of seeing red specifically can be attributed to several factors, which are intricately linked to the way our eyes and brain process visual information.

**Step 1: Understanding the Retina and the Rods and Cones**
The retina, located at the back of the eye, is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye and sends visual messages to the brain through the optic nerve. It contains two types of photoreceptor cells: rods, which are more sensitive to light and allow us to see in low-light conditions, and cones, which enable color vision and function best in bright light. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different parts of the color spectrum: red, green, and blue.

Step 2: The Role of the Brain
The brain plays a crucial role in interpreting the signals it receives from the retina. Even when the eyes are closed, the brain's visual cortex remains active. It's constantly processing and interpreting information, and sometimes this can lead to the perception of colors or patterns when no external stimulus is present.

Step 3: The Resting State of the Retina
As mentioned in the reference you provided, phosphenes are thought to be caused by the inherent electrical charges the retina produces even when it is in its resting state. This resting activity can sometimes be perceived as visual phenomena when the eyes are closed. The specific color seen can vary from person to person and may be influenced by the individual's unique physiology and the specific conditions under which the phosphenes are experienced.

**Step 4: Pressure and Mechanical Stimulation**
Another factor that can lead to the perception of red when closing the eyes is pressure on the eyeballs or mechanical stimulation. When you apply pressure to your closed eyes, it can cause the cells in the retina to fire, which can result in the perception of light or color, including red.

Step 5: Afterimages and Color Adaptation
Our eyes and brain are also subject to a phenomenon known as afterimages. If you've been looking at a bright red object or have been exposed to red light for an extended period, your eyes may continue to perceive red even after the stimulus is removed. This is due to the temporary fatigue of the cones sensitive to red light.

**Step 6: Health and Medical Considerations**
In some cases, seeing colors when the eyes are closed can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Certain medications, neurological disorders, or eye diseases can cause changes in the way the retina and brain process visual information, leading to the perception of colors without an external light source.

In conclusion, the experience of seeing red when you close 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. It's a fascinating aspect of human perception that continues to be a subject of scientific inquiry.

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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 >>