You're seeing stars because of the internal mechanics within your eye. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
The Role of the Vitreous in Seeing Stars
Your eye isn't just an empty ball. Inside, in front of the retina (the light-sensitive area at the back of your eye), there's a clear, gel-like substance called the vitreous. This vitreous helps maintain the shape of your eye. Within this gel, there are very fine fibers.
How These Fibers Cause "Stars"
According to the reference provided, the sensation of seeing stars happens when:
- Fibers pull on the retina: These thin fibers can occasionally tug at the retina.
- Gel rubs against the retina: The vitreous itself can rub against the retina.
When either of these occur, the retina gets stimulated, and your brain interprets this as seeing light – often perceived as 'stars' or flashes of light.
Summary
| Location | Cause | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Inside your eye | Vitreous fibers pulling on retina | Seeing "stars" |
| Inside your eye | Vitreous gel rubbing against retina | Seeing "stars" |
In short, seeing stars is typically a result of mechanical stimulation of your retina by the vitreous humor and its fibers, creating the illusion of light when none is actually present.
