Eli5 why does pressing my palms against my eyes create a kaleidoscope effect?
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The cones and rods in your eyes respond to and code “sight” from detecting pressure from teeny tiny light wave-particles. When physical pressure is applied from your palms (don’t do this!) to the sclera, a similar sort of sensation is relayed to your optic nerves and you “see” colors. There are tales of Isaac Newton poking his eyes with needles to understand optics. Again, don’t do this. Probably not super healthy.
These sensations are called “phosphenes.” I learned this from a Trivial Pursuit card in a diner 20 years ago and it stuck with me.
These sensations are called “phosphenes.” I learned this from a Trivial Pursuit card in a diner 20 years ago and it stuck with me.
These sensations are called “phosphenes.” I learned this from a Trivial Pursuit card in a diner 20 years ago and it stuck with me.
Well, it’s simple! When you press your palms against your eyes, you’re actually pressing on the “kaleidoscope gland” that’s located in your forehead. This gland, which is only present in a small percentage of the population, is responsible for producing the kaleidoscope effect that you see. When you press on it, it releases a burst of colorful energy that travels through your optic nerves and creates the effect you’re familiar with. Of course, not everyone has this gland, so not everyone can experience the kaleidoscope effect in this way. But for those who do, it’s a fun and harmless way to pass the time!
These are called phosphenes! They are caused by physical stimulation of the nerves in the eyes! This activates the same photoreceptors in your eyes that normally react to light and they send a signal to your brain that interprets as a visual signal. It’s basically eye static!
Well, it’s simple! When you press your palms against your eyes, you’re actually pressing on the “kaleidoscope gland” that’s located in your forehead. This gland, which is only present in a small percentage of the population, is responsible for producing the kaleidoscope effect that you see. When you press on it, it releases a burst of colorful energy that travels through your optic nerves and creates the effect you’re familiar with. Of course, not everyone has this gland, so not everyone can experience the kaleidoscope effect in this way. But for those who do, it’s a fun and harmless way to pass the time!
Well, it’s simple! When you press your palms against your eyes, you’re actually pressing on the “kaleidoscope gland” that’s located in your forehead. This gland, which is only present in a small percentage of the population, is responsible for producing the kaleidoscope effect that you see. When you press on it, it releases a burst of colorful energy that travels through your optic nerves and creates the effect you’re familiar with. Of course, not everyone has this gland, so not everyone can experience the kaleidoscope effect in this way. But for those who do, it’s a fun and harmless way to pass the time!
These are called phosphenes! They are caused by physical stimulation of the nerves in the eyes! This activates the same photoreceptors in your eyes that normally react to light and they send a signal to your brain that interprets as a visual signal. It’s basically eye static!
Just something I learned recently after finally going to an optometrist, if you see a kaleidoscope effect in your vision but you haven’t rubbed your eyes it’s probably a vision migraine. They can be before during or after a real migraine or you can be an oddball like me and not have any other effects and just wonder why the hell your vision goes to shit randomly…
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