In a nutshell
Sometimes brief points or patterns of light appear with closed eyes even though no light enters from outside. These light sensations are called phosphenes and can have different causes.
Why does it happen?
A light sensation arises through activity in the visual system and does not necessarily require an external light stimulus. Activity can arise in the retina or in downstream visual pathways. The origin cannot be reliably inferred from the shape of a single point of light.
Frequency
Light sensations without an external light stimulus can occur with different triggers. There is no meaningful single population rate for this whole group.
Frequency is a qualitative description, not your individual probability.
Is it normal?
Brief isolated patterns with closed eyes can be harmless.
When to seek advice
Have new recurrent flashes, especially together with new floaters or a visual-field shadow, examined immediately by an eye specialist.
Does this happen to you?
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Sources (1)
- Phosphenes: What They Are & Common Causes (opens a new tab)
Phosphenes are light sensations without a corresponding external light source and can have different ocular or neurological causes.
Editorial update: . AI-assisted research and editing; not individually reviewed by a physician. How we research
