<ul><li>Phosphenes are flashes of light that occur when your eye's photoreceptor cells, found in the retina, get stimulated by something other than light.</li><li>Rubbing your eyes or putting pressure on them can activate the retinal ganglion cells, causing bursts of colors, shapes, and patterns to be perceived.</li><li>Afterimages are similar visual illusions that occur when photoreceptors become overwhelmed by light and need time to reset, causing lingering images.</li><li>These eye effects are a result of the sensitivity and complexity of our visual system, and they are harmless as long as not done with excessive force.</li></ul>

Rubbing Your Eyes? Here's Why You See Twinkling Lights!

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