Could those lights be the front part of your brain reflected by the back side of your eyelens to your optical nerve, only visible when your eyes are either shut, or you're in the dark?
2007-03-08 11:39:34 · 6 answers · asked by irene k 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
I believe what you are experiencing is an excess pressure to the optic nerve from your eyes clamping tightly shut when you cough.
This excess pressure is transmitted as a signal to your brain in the only signal the brain can understand from the optic nerve = light.
There is no light that is "created" from coughing - it is just a figmant of your nervous systems reaction to the experience.
2007-03-08 11:56:01 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's no big deal and probably nothing to worry about. People often see colors and patterns when their eyes are open in the dark, or when they rub their eyes. The optic nerve is stimulated by these things and its response is perceived as visual images -- colors, patterns, moving shapes. It's a harmless light show.
A blow to the head ("seeing stars") or increased pressure on the optic nerve (coughing, straining) can also result in those images.
If you start seeing visual images while you're in full daylight, however, you should consult a doctor, as this can be a symptom of several disorders, including migraine, narcolepsy, and eye or brain dysfunction.
2007-03-09 18:10:23 · answer #2 · answered by KW 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you cough you cause rapid acceleration of your head.
In certain individuals the pressure this puts on the nerves produces an electrical reaction in them that simulates light reception. This can also happen with other sudden head motions.
I am sure it is nothing to worry about in you, but you should talk to your Physician about it if you are concerned.
I am sure that it is not a reflection process. You only see it when the daylight is not overwhelming these tiny signals. Your eye/brain has a logarithmic sensitivity and can see these tiny signals.
2007-03-08 19:56:34 · answer #3 · answered by Rufus Cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never see lights when I cough in the dark. But, I do see swirling colors when it's pitch black dark or if my eyes are closed in regular dark. I don't know what causes them. Great question, I hope you get some good answers, so I can find out myself!
2007-03-08 19:49:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have Never Had This happen
2007-03-08 19:44:45 · answer #5 · answered by david786 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
stop taking LSD my friend.
2007-03-08 19:47:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋