Is there such a thing as having bipolar eyes? At the root of the question for people struggling to identify bipolar disorder in themselves or someone they know is a search for a guaranteed marker for the diagnosis. While this article dives into general tendencies of the eyes during mania and depression, I find it difficult to say that these patterns provide any such hallmarks at all. Even current medical experts who write for lifestyle magazines say that evidence for “bipolar eyes” is inconclusive; Moreover, I cannot find a reputable medical journal that reports on the issue. Finally, in my years working with psychiatrists, none of my doctors checked my eyes when I was experiencing mania or depression.
Hence, I’m inclined to take the position that “bipolar eyes” are a myth while general characteristics can offer some guidance to help you, or your loved ones, identify imbalances. It is by no means a necessary characteristic for someone experiencing mania, depression, and everything in between.
General Eye Characteristics during Depression
Bipolar Depression is a complex experience that is unique to each individual who experiences it. While I experienced brain fog, poor memory, migraines, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal ideation, and anxiety, others mention feeling loss of appetite, asexuality, loss of energy, a great void of nothingness. Here is a list of general eye characteristics for someone experiencing a depressive episode:
Avoiding Eye Contact
Due to the inner pain and turmoil a person feels, one avoids eye contact not to expose the great storm within. Often there are feelings of shame and worthlessness for not being able to uphold life’s responsibilities.Looking Downward
I have often heard people say depression makes everything in the body feel heavy. The body turns downward in the classic sad posture, the imagination narrows, and one feels that looking, even looking, even looking upward is a heavy task.Blank Stare
One of the most common features of depression is rumination. The depressed person is often plagued by one or multiple negative thought loops. The person becomes so consumed by this snare that their eyes zone out, not focused on any particular object, and stare for long intervals.Physical Symptoms Due to Poor Sleep
Dark circles or shadows under the eyes
A hollow or depressed appearance beneath the lower eyelid
Visible blood vessels under the eyes
A tired or aged appearance
Bags or puffiness under the eyes
Squinted Eyes
General Eye Characteristics during Mania
Dilated Pupils
This can happen due to the adrenaline and the subsequent feelings of euphoria that occur in mania. It can also be due to the lack of sleep, substance abuse, and fits of rage and hysteria.
Sparkling Eyes, or eyes that appear more liquid than usual
The world becomes a fascinating place during mania. Your senses feel like they are on overdrive and there is a pleasurable tingling all over your brain. With such a feeling, you look at the world and others with a sense of wonder and amazement. It can be fun for the individual but unsettling for others to witness.
Eyes that Change Color or Become Black
I had read anecdotal reports of people’s eyes changing colors during manic episodes; however, I could not find a medical journal that mentions this. Some do mention that a manic person’s eyes dilate so much that the entire eye appears to be black. Again, there are many reasons for the eyes to dilate, so it doesn’t necessarily mean a person is manic if their eye color changes or their pupils dilate.
Understanding it All
You might have noticed that many of these general characteristics of “bipolar eyes,” can be found in other states of health and wellness. Our pupils dilate in the dark in order to let in more light, our eyes can look narrow when we have a migraine, and bags can form under the eyes due to sinus pressure or allergies.
My conclusion again regarding “bipolar eyes,” is that science has not yet made a conclusive connection between eyes and bipolar disorder. The above general characteristics occur with better symptoms of mania such as thoughts of grandeur, hypersexuality, and insomnia. Nonetheless, if you or your loved one shows a patterned change in their eyes during periods of mania or depression, then note it down and discuss with a qualified health professional what it means. However, if the physician does not give it much credence, lean in on your intuition to use it as a clue to help yourself maintain balance.
