It is possible for individuals to die with their eyes open. This phenomenon has physiological explanations rooted in the body’s processes at the moment of death. The state of a person’s eyes at the time of passing is influenced by various factors, including muscle activity and the specific circumstances surrounding their death. Understanding these natural processes helps to demystify why eyes may or may not close.
The Mechanics of Eye Closure
Typically, when a person dies, their eyes tend to close due to the relaxation of muscles. The orbicularis oculi muscle, which surrounds the eye, is primarily responsible for eyelid closure. When life ceases, the nervous system no longer sends signals to these muscles, leading to their relaxation.
The absence of the blink reflex also contributes to eye closure. The blink reflex is a protective mechanism that keeps the eyes lubricated and shielded from irritants. After death, this reflex stops functioning, removing the active force that would keep the eyes open or partially open. Complete eyelid occlusion results from the constriction of the orbicularis oculi muscles and the relocation of the levator palpebrae superior muscle. This natural relaxation and loss of reflexes usually result in the eyelids settling into a closed or nearly closed position.
Why Eyes Might Remain Open
Despite the typical muscle relaxation, several circumstances can lead to a person’s eyes remaining open after death. One reason involves incomplete muscle relaxation or the rapid onset of rigor mortis. If the muscles responsible for eyelid closure do not fully relax, or if rigor mortis, the stiffening of muscles after death, sets in quickly while the eyes are open, they may become fixed in that position.
Certain causes of death or underlying medical conditions can also influence eye positioning. Trauma, especially to the head or eyes, or neurological events occurring at the moment of death, might prevent the eyelids from fully closing. Conditions that affect neurological function or muscle control, such as strokes, brain injuries, or muscle diseases, can impact the nerves controlling eyelid muscles, leading to open eyes.
Body position can also play a role; if a person dies in a position where gravity pulls the eyelids open or prevents them from closing, the eyes may remain open. For example, lying face up with the head tilted back could contribute to this. It is important to understand that open eyes after death are a physiological occurrence and not an indication of fear or unfinished business, contrary to common misconceptions.
What Happens to Eyes After Death
Specific physical changes occur in the eyes following death. One of the earliest changes is corneal opacity or clouding. Within two hours after death, the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, begins to become hazy and progressively more opaque due to a lack of circulation and oxygen. This clouding happens because the endothelial cells, which normally pump water out of the cornea to maintain its transparency, cease to function without energy.
If the eyes remain open after death, a phenomenon known as Tache Noire can occur. This manifests as a reddish-brown discoloration on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Tache Noire is caused by the drying of the exposed sclera due to air exposure and becomes noticeable within 7 to 8 hours if the eyes are not closed. Dust can also settle on the surface, making it appear wrinkled.
Pupil changes also take place after death. While the autonomic control of pupil size ceases, pupils may initially dilate or constrict depending on the cause of death. However, they quickly lose their reactivity to light. Over time, the eyes may appear sunken into the sockets. This is due to a decrease in intraocular pressure, the fluid pressure inside the eye, and the gradual dehydration of tissues surrounding the eyes. The loss of fluid and muscle tone contributes to this sunken appearance.