Phosphene

A phosphene is the phenomenon of seeing light without light entering the eye. The word phosphene comes from the Greek words phos (light) and phainein (to show). Phosphenes that are induced by movement or sound may be associated with optic neuritis.

This article is about the visual illusion. For the PH3 gas, see phosphine. For the COCl2 gas, see phosgene.
"Seeing stars" redirects here. For other uses, see Seeing Stars (disambiguation).

Phosphenes can be induced by mechanical, electrical, or magnetic stimulation of the retina or visual cortex, or by random firing of cells in the visual system. Phosphenes have also been reported by meditators (called nimitta), people who endure long periods without visual stimulation (the prisoner's cinema), or those who ingest psychedelic drugs.

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