How Can Afterimages Occur?

Afterimages occur because photochemical activity in the retina continues even when the eyes are no longer experiencing the original stimulus. ... A common physiological afterimage is the dim area that seems to float before one's eyes after briefly looking into a light source, such as a camera flash.

What causes the afterimage effect?

afterimage, visual illusion in which retinal impressions persist after the removal of a stimulus, believed to be caused by the continued activation of the visual system.

Is seeing after pictures normal?

Physiological afterimage is a normal response that occurs when an image briefly persists after looking away, such as following a camera flash.