The question of whether a person’s eyes remain open after death is a common subject of curiosity, often fueled by dramatic portrayals in popular culture. While media often simplifies this aspect, the reality involves a complex interplay of biological processes that determine the final appearance of the eyes.
The Immediate Answer: Eye Closure After Death
When a person dies, the body undergoes primary flaccidity, where all muscles, including those controlling the eyelids, relax. This relaxation means the muscles responsible for keeping the eyelids closed lose their tension. The eyes may then remain partially or fully open at the moment of death. This is not universal; a study found around 63% of hospice patients died with their eyes fully closed, while 37% had them at least partially open.
The lack of muscle tone immediately after death is a primary reason for open eyelids. The brain no longer sends signals to control muscle function, leading to this relaxation. If an individual’s eyes were open at the exact moment of death, they will likely stay that way because no active muscle contraction will close them. This immediate state of relaxation can also affect other parts of the body, such as the jaw, which may fall slack, causing the mouth to open.
This initial relaxation period means that the eyelids, without the continuous tension that kept them shut during life, can simply rest in an open or partially open position. The appearance of open eyes immediately after death is primarily due to this sudden cessation of muscle control rather than any active process.
Biological Factors Influencing Eye Appearance
Beyond the immediate moments after death, several biological and external factors can influence the final appearance of the eyes. One significant factor is rigor mortis, the stiffening of muscles that occurs after death. Rigor mortis begins as the body’s energy reserves (ATP) deplete, preventing muscles from relaxing. This process typically starts in smaller muscles, including those of the eyelids, within 1 to 2 hours after death, and can take 8 to 12 hours to fully develop throughout the body.
If the eyes are open or partially open when rigor mortis sets in, the stiffening of the eyelid muscles can fix them in that position. The duration and intensity of rigor mortis can vary depending on factors like ambient temperature, the individual’s muscle mass, and activity levels before death. After approximately 24 to 48 hours, rigor mortis begins to subside as muscle tissues start to decompose, leading to secondary flaccidity.
Post-mortem care also plays a significant role in how the eyes appear. Medical professionals or funeral home staff often gently close the eyelids of the deceased. This is a common practice to ensure a peaceful appearance for family viewing. If the eyelids do not stay closed naturally, methods such as placing moist cotton balls on the eyelids or using specialized devices like eye caps can help keep them shut. These interventions can alter the final appearance of the eyes, making them appear closed even if they were initially open.