Tears in the eyes of a dying person: A dying person may cry tears in his or her final moments of life, but this does not mean that there is anything paranormal going on. The tears may be a result of:
- Pain Medications,
- Restlessness,
- Visioning, or
- Other reasons beyond the control of the dying person’s body.
Tears in the Eyes of a Dying Person
This is a common sign of the death process and can be recognized by the dying person.
Pain medications
Tears in the eyes of a person who is in the last stages of dying are common and can be a sign of distress. The person may not be taking in food or fluids and may have decreased urine output. They may also be groaning and wincing and may appear to be in great pain. You can help by keeping the dying person’s skin dry and talking to them. It’s also a good idea to offer comforting touch.
Patients’ perception of pain varies, depending on the severity of the condition and the nature of the cause. There are many medications available to manage pain in the dying process, and the health care team will determine which ones are best suited for the individual.
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Be sure to discuss the risks associated with each medication with the patient and their family members. While pain medications can provide immediate relief, they can cause sedation, confusion, and even aggression.
Restlessness
While terminal restlessness is difficult to witness, it’s important to understand that this condition is often accompanied by hostile physical or verbal behavior. This aggressive behavior is especially difficult for family members to handle. It can also be accompanied by other signs of dementia or decline in mental functioning.
Although the cause of terminal restlessness is not known, it often results from the physiological changes in the dying body. In addition, some medications, such as opioids, can increase agitation. These drugs may cause delirium, which can further exacerbate the symptoms. Chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells, can also cause restlessness.
Visioning
Sometimes, a dying person will experience a vision of a loved one who has passed away. This is known as an auditory or visual hallucination and occurs when the dying person experiences things that other people cannot see or hear. These visions may be confusing to those close to the dying person, but they are a normal part of the dying process. Few people become upset by these visions.
When a person is dying, they may experience terminal agitation, which is difficult for people to witness. This can be manifested as crying, muscle cramps, or metabolic abnormalities. Sometimes they will even reach out towards a particular location in the room. Their dying state can also lead to enhanced spiritual experiences, such as talking to a dead person.
Artificial tears
An eye doctor can prescribe artificial tears to a dying patient if the patient has a chronic disease that prevents the tear film from forming naturally. Patients with allergies or sensitive skin should choose preservative-free artificial tears. Patients with glaucoma should look for artificial tears with a proven safety profile.
These artificial tears contain buffers and electrolytes to mimic the tear film’s pH and osmolarity. This mimicry helps reduce the stinging that can occur when the artificial tears are used. However, it’s important to note that the pH and osmolarity of artificial tears may not match the levels of tears produced by the dying person. If the tears are too acidic or too alkaline, patients may experience stinging and irritation.
Visioning as a Sign of Death
A recent study from Canisius College suggests that people who are nearing the end of their lives experience visions of dead family members. These visions usually start several months before the person’s death and increase as the time of death approaches. The study is one of the first to address this phenomenon, and was carried out on 66 patients undergoing end-of-life care. Most of these patients reportedly experienced visions of ghosts during sleep.
The research team looked at six categories of dreams that patients often experienced before they died. Patients who reported seeing their deceased loved ones in their dreams often reported feeling at peace and preparing for their afterlife journey. These dreams also involved active participation on the part of the loved one who had passed away.
The visions helped the dying person understand their life experiences and their unfinished business. While these visions are often uncanny and fanciful, they may bring healing to those who witness them.
Sitting with a Dying Person
Sitting with a dying person is a difficult task. You need to be able to understand and empathize with the feelings of the person. Don’t try to correct them or talk about your own feelings. You want to be part of the world that this person is living. Then you can ask questions and reassure them that they are safe.
Often, people near the end of their lives experience mental confusion and bizarre behavior. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can be a difficult situation for the dying person. By listening, sharing memories of happy times, and sharing your stories, you can help them feel more comfortable.
Remember that they may be able to hear you, so try to talk from a place of love and forgiveness. If you cannot be with the person, try sending a video or audio message or a letter to be read aloud.
