Dead eyes?

[bindiboi]

Okay, I asked this question in another thread. But, does anyone know why it is with most death stares, the eyes are always off. One in one direction and one the other? I mean, with head trauma I get it, but what about the others. Some are really bad. I would think that when the eye muscles relax they would look fairly straight. Anyone know? I know others have wondered about this as well.

 

[jon_b]

Hmm interesting question bindiboi...I can't give a definitive answer..but may be able to offer an explanation. After death 3 stages occur.
Stage 1- Primary relaxation. Stage 2 - Rigor Mortis Stage 3 - secondary relaxation

In stage 1 muscles relax but are still responsive - they may twitch and move, but not in any way co-ordinated.
Stage 2 Rigor begins after an hour or so and is caused by the muscles stiffening and tightening and cell death - again this may not happen in a co-ordinated way

because these changes may affect one area slightly differently to another - I would conjecture that the alignment of the eyes may well be affected by these changes - each one slightly differently. We are 'keyed' into the alignment of the eyes and notice even small changes - whereas if one finger is bent slightly more than another we don't notice.

This conjecture is based on an extrapolation of my knowledge of physiology...other members may know something more definitive... but interesting question m8

 

[ArrowMan]

Hey Bindiboi budd,

Eyes going different ways upon death is a form of strabismus. The brain coordinates eye control and when the human brain dies the coordination of the eyes often goes haywire. This is the reason so many dudes have eyes goin' different directions when they die.

Eyes goin round n' round upon the death struggle, then BONK .. brain turns off and eyes roll around a bit more and go different directions.

Ergo strabismus.

 

[jon_b]

Hey Bindiboi budd,

Eyes goin round n' round upon the death struggle, then BONK .. brain turns off and eyes roll around a bit more and go different directions.

Ergo strabismus.

 

[bindiboi]

Wow, great explanations. Thanks guys. I don't know why, but I have a fascination about them.

 

[Meatpie]

I agree with Arrow, eyes are just an extension of the brain, any damage inside the skull and you go squint.