Disabled World LogoWorld Map
Reference Desk

HomeCommunity Disability CommunityVideo VideosDecrease Font SizeIncrease Font Size

 Disability Types of Disability Vision Disability

Glassy Eyes Causes and Cures


By Mavis Butcher - Jul 6, 2009 5:07:54 PM

Glassy eyes can be defined as a fixed staring and wide-eyed appearance with the eyes appearing to be glazed, or shiny. The term generally refers to an appearance of listlessness in which the eyes are unfocused and without lustre.

What are glassy eyes?

Glassy eyes can be defined as a fixed staring and wide-eyed appearance with the eyes appearing to be glazed, or shiny.

The term generally refers to an appearance of listlessness in which the eyes are unfocused and without lustre. Sometimes people with elevated thyroid levels or Graves' disease may have a stare, wide-eyes, or glassy eyes in appearance.

Viral conjunctivitis can also cause a slight redness of the eyes and a glassy appearance from tearing. Adenovirus is a major cause of viral conjunctivitis. The herpes virus, such as that which causes chickenpox or shingles, can also affect the eye.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause many physical and psychological symptoms including glazed eyes.

It is also said that glassy eye is caused by not blinking often enough, causing your eyes to become "dry" and lifeless.

Taking drugs which affect the central nervous system, and even some medications, can give your eyes a glassy look as you tend to blink less frequently if the drug is actually depressing the nervous system.

Glassy eyes is one of the criteria for determining if a person is drunk while driving. Alcohol depresses the nervous system, and affects the eyes functions, such as size control and blinking.

Placing a couple of Visine eyedrops in your eyes can take away some of the glazed look fairly quickly.


Email Email article   Printer Print

This site is intended for your general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
© Disabled World - Building the most informative disability community online!
 2559