It is possible for a person to die with their eyes open. This phenomenon has physiological explanations rooted in how the body’s systems cease to function. The position of the eyes at the moment of death results from a combination of muscle activity, neurological signals, and the circumstances surrounding the passing.
The Science Behind Eye Closure
Normal eye closure, such as blinking or sleeping, is an active process controlled by specific muscles and nerve signals. The orbicularis oculi muscle, which encircles the eye, is responsible for closing the eyelids, while the levator palpebrae superioris muscle opens them. These muscles receive signals from the brain and nervous system, coordinating precise movements.
Neural control of these muscles involves complex pathways. For instance, the inhibition of the levator palpebrae muscle, coupled with the contraction of the orbicularis oculi, facilitates blinking. When a person is alive, these actions ensure the eyes remain lubricated and protected. This active control typically keeps eyelids closed during rest or sleep.
Factors Leading to Open Eyes at Death
When a person dies, the brain ceases to send signals to the muscles, leading to a loss of muscle tone and control. Eye closure is an active muscular action, so if the final neurological signals for closure are absent or disrupted, the eyes may remain open. This can happen in cases of sudden death, such as from a heart attack or stroke, where brain activity ceases abruptly before the eyelids can fully close.
Certain medical conditions, especially those affecting the central nervous system or muscle tone, can also contribute to eyes remaining open. For example, brain injuries or neurological diseases might impair the nerves responsible for eyelid movement. After death, muscles relax, then rigor mortis begins, causing stiffening due to chemical changes. Rigor mortis typically starts in smaller muscles, including those of the eyelids, within one to two hours. If the eyes are open during this relaxation, the subsequent stiffening can fix them in that position.
Post-Mortem Changes in the Eyes
If the eyes remain open after death, they undergo several noticeable post-mortem changes due to exposure to the environment. One of the earliest changes is the formation of cloudiness on the cornea, which can be observed within minutes to a few hours, especially if the eyes are exposed to air. This corneal clouding, or opacity, results from dehydration and changes in the corneal tissue.
Another specific change that can occur in exposed eyes is “tache noire de la sclérotique.” This appears as a yellowish or brownish-black triangular region on the exposed white part of the eye (sclera), caused by drying and dust deposition. The pupils also change, typically enlarging as the body relaxes and loses oxygen, and they become fixed, no longer reacting to light. These subsequent post-mortem alterations further affect the appearance of the eyes over time.