Synesthesia anyone?

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LostInSpace
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19 Jul 2009, 2:03 pm

BoiseAirport wrote:

It sounds like what you two are describing is Phosphene, which is literally seeing light without light entering the eye. Synesthesia has more to do with the mixing of perception. Phosphene is kind of similar but it has more to do with natural electric and magnetic stimulations of the brain

"A phosphene is an entoptic phenomenon characterized by the experience of seeing light without light actually entering the eye. The word phosphene comes from the Greek words phos (light) and phainein (to show).[1] Phosphenes can be directly induced by mechanical, electrical, or magnetic stimulation of the retina or visual cortex as well as by random firing of cells in the visual system. Phosphenes have also been reported by meditators,[2] people who go for long periods without visual stimulation (also known as the prisoner's cinema) or who are under the influence of drugs, especially a hallucinogen."

I knew that visual snow was not synaesthesia, but I don't think that "phosphene" is the cause of visual snow- as far as I know, they don't understand how visual snow works or why some people have it. Phosphene sounds more like what Daniel09 was describing- seeing light from mechanical stimulation of the retina. My visual snow is more like a constant overlay of static over my vision which is more visible in darker rooms. I've had it continuously since at least 9 years old (which is when I began to think about my vision critically since it is when I got glasses).

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Daniel09
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19 Jul 2009, 3:03 pm

BoiseAirport wrote:

LostInSpace wrote:

Michjo wrote:

I actually have visual snow myself, it's like TV-static only it is green (with a little blue). I can see it wether my eyes are open or closed, it doesn't interefere with my vision, it's like a seperate layer. (I dunno, it's hard to explain).

I also have visual snow which is more visible in darker rooms, although I see it all the time. Mine is more purplish-white. And for some reason, it seems worse without my glasses (or at least more noticeable).

I also agree that what Daniel09 is describing is completely normal. I've seen it mentioned in a few places (and I have experienced it myself), and it has something to do with pressure on the retina triggering the firing of sensory cells which normally perceive light, so that you see flashes (which is why you can deliberately generate them by pressing on your eye). It frequently occurs in people with healthy eyes, but an increase in or sudden appearance of flashers should be investigated, as you may have an eye condition that needs treatment. It is not synaesthesia, which has to do with funky wiring in the brain.

That's definitely it. I started experiencing it after practicing meditation, and after doing it every day for extended periods of time, I started seeing the colors. I tried looking it up when it first started occurring and couldn't get any answers. It's a big relief to know what it is.

Michjo
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19 Jul 2009, 4:23 pm

I've always assumed my visual snow was directly related to my autism. Misfiring nerves in my eyes, could suggest misfiring nerves elsewhere

Hovis
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19 Jul 2009, 4:41 pm

I don't have it, but I think I can imagine what it must be like. A similar experience to the way that words have a sort of tangible feel to them - sometimes it ties in with the meaning of the word, sometimes it doesn't seem to fit. E.g., fast has a rushed, hurried feel/sound to it. Slow has a dragging, heavy sound. Talk fits, too, and has a 'going forth and continuing' feel, but speak doesn't really feel like anything to me. Etc.

Nightrain
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19 Jul 2009, 5:11 pm

So that's what it is! I thought it was just my overactive imagination.
I always classify my favorite bands by "feel". And I associate different languages with color and texture, for example: French has a soft wavy feel and is mostly a soft brown, with a little orange and red. German is slate/navy blue colored and has a "hard" sound to it. Japanese is spring green colored with a dash of pink and has a rounded sound. I could go on but I'll stop now.

SystemDown
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19 Jul 2009, 9:30 pm

There's a theory that everyone has synesthesia very very very early in development and while the vast majority lose it, some people keep it.

sunshower
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19 Jul 2009, 9:34 pm

Unfortunately, no. I wish I did though, it sounds creative and cool.

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WoodenNickel
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20 Jul 2009, 8:09 pm

Flashing and moving lights are *almost* audible. It's a little strange, as I can sense my auditory system processing the information and I sort of hear them, but I hear any audible true sound louder. If you're familiar with nonstandard analysis, the lights generate an infinitesimal-valued response.

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