Expert: Walter Hintz - 4/27/2006

Question
Hi,

I am curious as to why I see clear, moving images of people's faces (not people I recognise) when I close my eyes. Sometimes they seem to be looking at me with curious or occasionally horrified expressions, other times they just seem to float aimlessly.

I am aware of the existence of floaters, string-like structures, flashing lights and colours etc and why they occur (having experienced all of the above on a regular basis due to migraines and short-sightedness) However, no-one has been able to explain the faces I see (other than it just being my imagination)

Basic internet research has revealed a few others who experience this also but has given no answers as to why.

Hope you can help or perhaps point me in the right direction.  

Answer
Hi Sam
 I am afraid that I must join all of the others who can offer no explanation for this. It appears that there is no answer. Frankly this sounds a bit scary.
Our visual images are stored in the occipital lobe of the brain.  I can visualize faces that I know but do not actually see them but I cannot visualize a face of someone I do not know.
 Perhaps a psychologist would have an answer.