noun
- Flashes of light or visual sensations perceived when the eye is stimulated by pressure, electrical current, or other non-light stimuli.
Usage: plural form; medical/scientific term
Examples
- When the astronaut rubbed his eyes in the darkness of space, he saw phosphenes caused by the pressure on his eyeballs.
- Phosphenes can occur when a person receives a blow to the head near the eyes.
- Scientists study phosphenes to understand how the visual system responds to direct stimulation.
- The patient reported seeing phosphenes after the electrical stimulation during the medical procedure.
- Rubbing your eyes gently can produce phosphenes, which appear as colorful spots or patterns.