Why is a dying person staring into the distance?
A dying person may stare into the distance because they are very tired, less aware, delirious, or unable to focus their eyes normally.
A dying person may stare into the distance because they are very tired, less aware, delirious, or unable to focus their eyes normally. It can look as if they are looking at something specific, but you may not be able to know what they are experiencing.
Staring by itself does not prove fear or suffering. It should be understood alongside the person's breathing, face, body, comfort and overall condition.
General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what is happening in one person's situation. If you have concerns about a symptom, medicine, treatment decision or change in someone's condition, contact their doctor, palliative care team, nurse or other treating health professional.
Why it can happen
Near death, the brain and body slow down. The person may become sleepy, vague, withdrawn or less aware of the room. Their eyes may be open without tracking people or objects normally.
Some people have delirium. They may seem confused, see or hear things others do not, reach into the air, call out, or appear to be somewhere else.
Other people seem peaceful and inward. They may not be distressed, even if their gaze looks unusual.
Should you ask what they can see?
If they are able to answer, you can ask gently: "Are you comfortable?" or "Can I help you?" Avoid demanding an explanation if they seem tired.
If they mention seeing people, places or things that are not visible to you, try not to argue. You might say, "That sounds important" or "I am here with you." If they are frightened, tell the care team.
How to check comfort
Look for signs that may suggest distress:
- frowning, grimacing or clenched teeth
- moaning or crying out
- repeated restless movements
- trying to climb out of bed
- pulling at clothing, sheets, tubes or dressings
- fast breathing with panic
- sweating or a tense body.
If these are present, ask for review. The person may have pain, breathlessness, bladder fullness, constipation, fever, medicine side effects, delirium or anxiety.
What you can do
Keep the room calm. Tell the person who is there. Speak before touching or moving them. Offer familiar music, prayer or quiet if that suits them.
Reduce bright light if their eyes seem open and dry. Ask staff whether eye care or mouth care is needed. Do not put anything in the eyes or mouth unless you have been shown what is safe.
If staring comes with agitation or fear, ask the team whether delirium might be present and what can help.
When to get help now
Contact the palliative care team, GP, nurse or aged care staff if the person seems frightened, agitated, in pain, suddenly confused, unsafe, feverish, breathless, or unable to settle.
Call 000 if the staring follows a sudden collapse, seizure, head injury or unexpected loss of consciousness in someone not known to be dying, or if there is no care plan and you need emergency help.
You may also want to read
- Why do a dying person's eyes sometimes stay partly open?
- Why are they hallucinating, picking at the sheets, trying to get out of bed or calling for dead relatives?
- Can someone who is unconscious still hear me?
- Is what I'm seeing normal dying, or are they suffering?