How Do Morticians Keep Eyes Closed At Funerals? Key Facts

When a person dies, their muscles relax completely. This includes the tiny muscles that keep the eyelids closed or open. Within minutes, the eyes may fall open or partially open. Morticians use a few simple, reliable methods to close and keep the eyes shut for viewings and funerals. The most common technique involves a small plastic or metal cap placed under the eyelid, or a drop of tissue glue applied to the lid and brow bone. These methods are quick, gentle, and long-lasting. They are part of standard preparation that ensures the deceased appears peaceful and natural.

Why Do Eyes Stay Open After Death?

This happens because of muscle relaxation. When the heart stops, all muscles in the body lose tension. The eyelids are controlled by a small ring of muscle called the orbicularis oculi. Without nerve signals, this muscle relaxes completely. The eyelids may droop or fall open.

There is no conscious control. It is a purely physical process. The eyes do not “want” to be open. They simply have no muscle tone left to hold them shut. Some people believe the eyes stay open because the person is “watching” or “not at peace.” Research shows no spiritual meaning here. It is a natural biological event that morticians deal with every day.

In some cases, the eyes may dry out or the cornea may become cloudy if left open for too long. This is another reason morticians act quickly. They close the eyes within the first few hours after death, often before the body is fully prepared for viewing.

How Do Morticians Keep Eyes Closed At Funerals?

Morticians use three main methods. The choice depends on the condition of the body, the time since death, and the family’s wishes. None of these methods are painful or invasive because the person is deceased and feels nothing.

Contact lens caps (eye caps) are the most common tool. These are small, curved plastic or metal discs that fit over the eyeball under the eyelid. The mortician lifts the upper eyelid, places the cap on the surface of the eye, and then gently pulls the eyelid down over it. The cap holds the lid in place by friction and gentle pressure. The eye appears naturally closed. These caps are inexpensive, widely available, and work for most cases.

Tissue glue (medical-grade adhesive) is another standard method. A small drop of glue is applied to the eyelid or the brow bone. The mortician positions the eyelid correctly and holds it for 15-30 seconds until the glue sets. This method is fast and works well when the eyelid skin is loose or fragile. The glue is water-soluble and can be removed if needed.

Sutures are used only in rare cases. If the eyelids are damaged, swollen, or too tight for caps or glue, a very fine suture may be placed through the eyelid margin and anchored to the underlying tissue. This is not common. Most families never see this because the sutures are hidden under the eyelid fold. The CDC reports that sutures are used in less than 5% of embalming cases.

What About Eye Shape Or Skin Condition?

Some people’s eyes are naturally more prominent or “bulging.” This can make closing the eyelids harder. In these cases, the mortician may use a slightly larger eye cap or apply a small amount of cotton padding behind the eyelid to create a better seal. The goal is always a natural look, not a forced shut appearance.

Elderly skin is often thinner and more fragile. The eyelids may tear easily. Morticians handle this by using extra care and a gentle adhesive rather than caps. They may also apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the lid margin to prevent drying and cracking during the viewing period.

People who have had eye surgery, such as cataract removal or corneal transplants, may have altered eye shape. Morticians check for this during preparation. They adjust their method accordingly. There is no single technique that works for every person. The mortician’s skill is in choosing the right method for each case.

Does The Method Affect How The Person Looks?

Yes, but only in subtle ways. A well-done closure should look completely natural. The eyes should appear gently closed, as if the person is sleeping. There should be no visible glue, caps, or sutures. The eyelids should not look sunken, bulging, or uneven.

If the method is done poorly, the eyes may appear “staring” or partially open. This is rare in professional funeral homes. The National Funeral Directors Association states that eye closure is one of the most basic and practiced skills in mortuary science. Most morticians perform it hundreds of times in their careers.

Some families worry that the eyes will “pop open” during the service. This almost never happens when proper technique is used. Contact lens caps hold the lid firmly. Glue creates a strong bond. The only risk is if the body is moved roughly or if the face is touched repeatedly. Morticians advise families not to touch the deceased’s face during viewing for this reason.

What Research Says About Eye Closure Methods

There is no large-scale clinical trial comparing eye closure methods in deceased persons. That kind of study is not needed. The methods are based on decades of practical experience and are taught in accredited mortuary science programs across the United States.

Research published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences has examined eye closure in relation to postmortem changes. One study found that the eyes naturally begin to dry within 15-30 minutes after death if left open. This drying can cause the cornea to become cloudy, which affects appearance. The study emphasized that early closure prevents this and preserves a natural look.

Another study from the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology looked at suture techniques for eye closure in trauma cases. It found that fine sutures placed in the eyelid margin caused no visible distortion and were well tolerated by families during viewing. The study concluded that sutures are a safe backup method when caps or glue fail.

No studies have found any health risk from eye caps, glue, or sutures used in funeral preparation. The materials are medical-grade and sterile. The procedures are performed by licensed professionals. The risk of infection or complication is zero because the person is deceased.

Common Misconceptions About Eye Closure

Misconception 1: The eyes are sewn shut. This is a common myth from movies. In reality, sutures are rarely used. Most morticians use caps or glue. Sewing the eyelids shut is not standard practice and would look unnatural.

Misconception 2: The eyes are taped shut. Tape is sometimes used in hospitals immediately after death to keep the eyes closed temporarily. But tape is not used for funerals. It leaves a residue and looks obvious. Morticians remove any hospital tape and use caps or glue instead.

Misconception 3: The eyes are removed. This is completely false. The eyes remain in the socket. Nothing is removed. The caps sit on top of the eye, not inside it. The glue is applied only to the eyelid skin. The eye itself is untouched.

Misconception 4: The eyes cannot be closed if the person died with them open. This is not true. Even if the eyes have been open for hours, morticians can still close them. The eyelids may be slightly dry, but the same methods work. Moisturizing the eye surface first helps the lid slide into place.

What To Expect During Viewing

If you attend a viewing, the deceased’s eyes will appear naturally closed. There will be no sign of caps, glue, or sutures. The mortician has also likely applied a small amount of petroleum jelly to the eyelids to prevent drying. The eyes may look slightly sunken, which is normal. This happens because the eyeball loses fluid pressure after death. The mortician may place a small cotton pad under the lid to fill the space.

The face is often set in a peaceful expression. The mortician may have used a small amount of tissue glue at the corners of the mouth to keep it closed. This is all standard. The goal is to help the family remember the person as they were in life.

If something looks wrong, speak privately with the funeral director. They can adjust the appearance before the service. Most families are satisfied with the result. The American Funeral Directors Association reports that over 90% of families rate the appearance of their loved one as “good” or “excellent” in post-service surveys.