Can eyes store light to use later when it’s dark?

[DaBiggestBird]

Could be hallucinations or the robot dementia kicking in again who knows but sometimes I trigger the pop up on colored lights around the border of my vision while my eyes are closed.

[Oliverlogan263]

I don't think eyes can actually store light to use later when it's dark, man. That colorful lights thing sometimes happening when you close your eyes is pretty normal though! Here's what's going on:

Even after you close your eyes, your retina (the light-detecting part of the eye) is still stimulated by the last things you saw. So bright images or colors you were recently looking at can leave an "afterimage" on your retina for a bit.

It's like how when you stare at something bright, then look away, you briefly still see that color shape floating in your vision. Your eyes just take a sec to adjust. I think the colorful lights could kinda be like that!

It's called the retinal lingering effect. Nothing to worry about, just your eyes temporarily adapting to changes in light levels. Unless the colors get really elaborate and detailed, then maybe talk to a doctor. But some floating fuzzy lights are totally normal as far as I know!

So your eyes aren't storing light per se, just kinda processing what they last saw. Your vision's just being lazy for a few moments, haha. Nothing too weird, so don't stress! Let me know if any other eye questions come up.

[DaBiggestBird]

Thank you, that actually makes sense.

[Oliverlogan263]

You’re welcome man

[Astarlessnightsky]

Nope.