Seeing your pulse or experiencing a dimming of vision in sync with your heartbeat could be a phenomenon known as "pulsatile tinnitus." Though the term includes "tinnitus," it is not related to hearing but rather to vision.
There are a few potential reasons why you may experience this:
Cardiovascular Changes: Changes in blood flow due to cardiovascular conditions or blood pressure fluctuations can cause pulsatile tinnitus. When blood flow is altered, it can affect the blood vessels in and around the eyes, leading to the sensation of seeing your pulse.
Eye or Vision Issues: Certain eye conditions can also cause pulsatile tinnitus or visual disturbances. Conditions that affect the blood vessels in the eyes, such as glaucoma or ocular migraines, may lead to visual changes in sync with your heartbeat.
Increased Intracranial Pressure: Pulsatile tinnitus and visual dimming can sometimes be associated with increased pressure inside the skull. Conditions like intracranial hypertension may cause these symptoms.
Muscle Tension: Tense muscles around the eyes or forehead can also lead to changes in visual perception, but this is less likely to be directly connected to the heartbeat.
Seeing your pulse in your vision could be a sign of an underlying issue, so it's essential to get it checked out by a medical professional. You may need to see an ophthalmologist, a neurologist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to determine the cause of these symptoms and receive appropriate treatment.
Keep in mind that while transient occurrences may not be concerning, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated promptly to rule out any potentially serious conditions.