Do most people die with their eyes open or closed?

Question

Do most people die with their eyes open or closed?

Question #148703. Asked by maddogrick16.
Last updated Nov 27 2021.
Originally posted Nov 24 2021 5:55 PM.

gracious1

Answer has 21 votes

Currently Best Answer

gracious1

16 year member
89 replies avatar

Answer has 21 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

It has been observed that most people die with the eyes closed. In a 2009 study of hospice deaths, for example, a majority (63%) of patients had fully closed eyes, while the remaining 37% had only partially closed eyes.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2902109/

Nov 25 2021, 3:10 AM

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Answer 1

The study mentioned by gracious1 was conducted by Dr. Alistair D. MacLeod and did not only quantify but also tried to give an explanation. Whether the eyes were open or closed at the time of death did not only depend on muscles controlling the eyelid, but several other factors were named by the researchers:

- The fluids of your eyeball can cause suction at the eyelids, keeping the eyes closed when the muscles relax.
- Central nervous system tumors and/or acute hepatic encephalopathy appeared to be a pre-mortem risk factor of bilateral ptosis (partially open eyes) at death.
- Medications can influence the moisture, movement, and status of the eyes.
- 40% of the patients who had open eyes at the time of death also had liver failure.
- Open eyes at the time of death may be linked to illnesses that impact the central nervous system.
- Muscle spasms can occur as the body begins to shut down, which can cause the eyes to open or close even after clinical death.

Source:

https://wilsonsfuneraladvice.com/why-do-people-die-with-their-eyes-open/

Do most people die with their eyes open or closed?

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