Why is it that when you rub your eyes you start to see a mix of colors or patterns?

Question

let me know if im not being clear enough, im not sure how to explain it

Answer 1

erm... maybe because you are mashing the optic nerves or the retina....

i have no idea really so its just a guess...

will be intresing to see an answer though....

sorry!

Answer 2

I have seen a lot of things including mountain ranges, icebergs, and one time Jesus!

Answer 3

The nerve endings at the back of your eyes are able to 'see' the pressure you're putting on them. As with the nerves in your skin that can feel pressure, so can the nerves in your eyes - although they are specialised to light sensation they also respond to pressure, whereas when skin nerves are activated through touch, etc. you'll feel the touch rather than 'see' it.

Hope this makes sense.

Answer 4

I totally get what you mean! Good question! Unfortunatley i dont know why..looking forward to othe ppls anwers though!

Answer 5

The remnant of lights and the pressure that you exert on your eye when rubbing  the creates that effect is called

Phosphene.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphenes

Answer 6

Umm.. mabye you're rubbing a little too hard.