What is the effect called when one looks at a bright light, and the image "burns" into one's eyes?

Question

When I glance at the sun, or a bare light bulb, I find that when I blink, or move my eyes, a superimposed image of the bright object appears wherever I look.  What is this called?

Colin Fine · Accepted Answer

An after-image.

Oxford English Dictionary:

"The impression retained by the retina of the eye, or by any other organ of sense, of a vivid sensation, after the external cause has been removed."

OghmaOsiris · Answer

Flash blindness

user9682 · Answer

You used to get this with plasma televisions and it was called burn-in. Perhaps visual burn-in applies?

What is the effect called when one looks at a bright light, and the image "burns" into one's eyes?

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