Is it Possible to Observe Parasites with Your Eyes Shut?
At 35 years of age, I want to clarify that I'm not referring to the typical floating squiggles you might notice behind your eyelids. When I close my eyes and focus, I perceive a vivid red circle situated in the center of a dark void, surrounded by what appears to be wriggling strands, almost resembling worms or tentacles that extend inward from the periphery. In the middle, there are also tiny black specks or dots. I might sound irrational, but this is genuinely causing me significant anxiety. As someone who struggles with agoraphobia and medical-related fears, I'd prefer to avoid the emergency room unless absolutely necessary. I attempted to share an illustration I created, but the platform won’t allow it. Thank you for understanding.
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 5:00:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that experiencing unusual visual perceptions, especially in a time of anxiety, can be quite distressing. What you're describing—a vivid circle and moving strands when your eyes are shut—could relate to a few different factors, but it's important to focus on what you can control and how to ease your worries.
Explanation
These visual sensations might be likened to visual phenomena called "phosphenes." They can occur due to various reasons such as pressure on the eyes, migraine auras, or even stress. While it's unlikely these perceptions are related to actual parasites, it’s important to acknowledge how they might affect your mental health and well-being.
Next Steps
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Stay Calm and Reflect: Understand that these perceptions are likely not harmful. However, if they persist, take note of when they occur (e.g., during times of stress or specific activities).
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxation methods like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle stretching. This can help reduce overall anxiety and may lessen the frequency of these visual experiences.
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Limit Stressors: If your agoraphobia causes heightened anxiety, consider setting small goals for gradual exposure to less stressful environments.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary noting when these visual occurrences happen, any accompanying emotions or thoughts you have, and your physical state at the time. This can help clarify potential triggers.
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Visual Rest: If you're spending a lot of time focusing on screens, take regular breaks. This can help reduce eye strain which may contribute to visual disturbances.
Consider these steps to help manage your anxiety and visual sensations effectively. If you find that these experiences continue or worsen, consulting with a professional—ideally one familiar with anxiety and visual phenomena—could provide further clarity and support.
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