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Can Focusing On Visual Patterns For Extended Periods Cause Optical Hallucinations?

Posted on Fri, 22 Feb 2019

Question: I have a question. when I look at certain types of patterns like the one on this shirt and I don't focus I just look at the shirt. it's like the white dots on the shirt turn black just some.of them. I saw two specialist who did testing on me and I am healthy and normal. But neither could explain why this happens . one said it's like an optical illusion.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Visual cortex

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

First of all pattern of the shirt is done in such a way it can cause visual or optical hallucinations under bright light. If you have similar issues under dark light or artificial light you may bother.

Second, the hallucinations are interpreting at visual cortex on the occipital lobe of brain. So it is not the eye problem but can be an issue at brain level. Please visit a neurologist.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (18 minutes later)

I only see it under bright light. but if saw it under dark light what could it mean ?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Low light visual hallucinations

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

If it is also in low light or dark then it requires further investigations.

It may not prove something wrong with the investigations it can be normal as well.

The visual cortex of the brain should be specifically looked at EEG and MRI scan. Please visit a Neurologist for the same.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (8 minutes later)

I have already had both done and they are normal Thank God. also the first this happened was few years ago and I only see this when I look at that pattern never ever any other time and in bright light . all of those things point to me being okay right ?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Surely not a problem

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

As I said earlier this is the issue with pattern. Most people would have similar disturbance while looking at such pattern.

If both are normal, it confirms it is not a disease or ailment.
I suggest, leave worry and take care of yourself.

If you do not have more questions, please close and rate my answer.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)

thank you

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Glad to assist

Detailed Answer:

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Suma Parinam, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar