What We See When We Close Our Eyes: A Comprehensive Guide to Visual Perception and Mental Imagery

When we close our eyes, the world we perceive can vary significantly from person to person. This experience of visual perception without the influence of external light is fascinating and often misunderstood. Let's explore the various phenomena that occur when we shut our eyes and the mental processes involved.

Visual Perception

When your eyes are closed, the eyelids block light from entering, creating a dark environment. However, the visual system remains active, and many people report seeing patterns, colors, or flashes of light. This occurs because the brain continues processing sensory information even in the absence of external visual stimuli. Here's a deeper dive:

Phosphenes

Phosphenes are visual phenomena you might experience when you press on your closed eyes or simply blink slightly. This occurs because the stimulation of the retina leads to the perception of light or colors. Understanding phosphenes can help explain some of the visual experiences we have when our eyes are closed.

Mental Imagery

Some individuals may visualize memories, thoughts, or other imagery when their eyes are closed. This process is more cognitive than purely visual and can vary greatly from person to person. Mental imagery allows us to conjure images in our minds without the aid of external visual stimuli.

Dependent on Environmental Factors

The experience of seeing in the absence of light depends on the environment you're in. If you're in a completely dark room, you may see nothing but darkness. However, if you're facing a brighter space, you might see different sensations such as red blood behind your eyelids or the movement of shadows. Here are a few examples:

Dark Room Scenario

Suppose you are in a closed dark room where no light is present, you cannot see anything, and when you close your eyes, the same applies. In such a scenario, you would likely perceive nothing. The lack of visual stimuli in this entirely dark environment results in a gap in visual perception.

Light-Dependent Sensations

You might also experience sensations that vary based on the light in the room. For example:

Red Blood: Some people report seeing a red hue inside their eyelids when they close their eyes in a brightly lit environment. Shadows: Movements or changes in light may create the appearance of shadows moving in your field of vision.

Aphantasia and Mental Blindness

It's not uncommon for individuals to be unsure about what they perceive when closing their eyes, and there's a condition known as "Aphantasia," which can shed light on this phenomenon. Aphantasia, also referred to as "mental blindness," is a neurological condition where a person cannot form visual mental imagery. Here's a detailed explanation:

What is Aphantasia?

Aphantasia is a condition where an individual struggles to visualize images in their mind despite the ability to describe objects and people. People with aphantasia can tell you what a beach looks like or describe their daughter's face, but they cannot access an image in their mind.

Common Misunderstandings

It's important to clarify that not being able to visualize images does not mean seeing a black void. Many individuals with aphantasia can still perceive other sensory experiences, such as sounds or smells, and can describe objects and places effectively. Here's how to differentiate this condition:

Visual Description vs. Imagery: Someone with aphantasia might be able to describe a beach without visualizing it. They can provide details about the landscape and the people there but cannot form a mental picture of it. Exercise Points: When asked to visualize pictures like a beach or a loved one, people with aphantasia cannot do so. They might feel frustrated when asked to engage in such exercises, as they simply cannot form the requested mental images.

Conclusion

The experience of seeing when we close our eyes is not a uniform or universal one. It can vary based on individual perception, environmental factors, and neurological conditions like aphantasia. Understanding these variations can help us better comprehend the intricate nature of visual perception and mental imagery. Whether you see darkness, phosphenes, or mental images, each person's experience is unique and fascinating.

Keywords

Visual Perception, Mental Imagery, Aphantasia, Phosphenes