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Reference.org
Phosphene
open-in-new
<p>A phosphene is the phenomenon of seeing <a href="/facts/Light/jeofpMn4">light</a> without light entering the <a href="/facts/Human_eye/a24ua4fy">eye</a>. The word <i>phosphene</i> comes from the Greek words <i>phos</i> (light) and <i>phainein</i> (to show). Phosphenes that are induced by movement or sound may be associated with <a href="/facts/Optic_neuritis/Nhj3r878">optic neuritis</a>. </p><p>Phosphenes can be induced by mechanical, electrical, or magnetic stimulation of the <a href="/facts/Retina/v0ISNX2S">retina</a> or <a href="/facts/Visual_cortex/qmF8F5Sb">visual cortex</a>, or by random firing of cells in the <a href="/facts/Visual_system/QVcuA27K">visual system</a>. Phosphenes have also been reported by <a href="/facts/Meditation/8KjW0lHy">meditators</a> (called <i><a href="/facts/Dhy%C4%81na_in_Buddhism/vF7EqVrj">nimitta</a></i>), people who endure long periods without visual stimulation (the <a href="/facts/Prisoner%27s_cinema/H30J6ymk">prisoner's cinema</a>), or those who ingest <a href="/facts/Psychedelic_drug/aj9GNANW">psychedelic drugs</a>. </p>