Bipolar Eyes: Do The Eyes Hold Clues to Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar eyes is a term that is gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. People are posting videos to social media saying that they knew they had bipolar disorder because of “manic eyes” or changes in their eyes during manic episodes. In this TikTok video, which has over 280k views, the creator @aariadnas says that she knew she had bipolar disorder because of her eyes.
So, is it possible to recognize bipolar or mania in the eyes? Well, the eyes are known as the “windows to the soul.” Let’s take a closer look at what the science actually says to see if there is any truth to this claim.
What Are ‘Bipolar Eyes’?
When people typically refer to bipolar eyes, they may mean:
Eyes that change color
Widened or narrowed eyes
Intense eye gaze
Increases in eye movements
Sparkling eyes or eyes that appear to sparkle or shimmer
People may refer to these changes as “manic eyes” since they mostly happen during episodes of mania. Mania is a state that occurs in bipolar 1. Mania involves an elevated, euphoric mood, increased energy and activity levels, and a reduced need for sleep. A person may claim that their eyes widen or sparkle during manic episodes when their mood is euphoric.
Bipolar Eyes: What Science Says
A study from 2019 found that bipolar disorder could affect the eyes. A 2023 study suggests that those with bipolar disorder may experience iris color changes, dilated pupils, and “sparkling eyes” during hypomanic and manic states. The same study found that during depressive episodes, people report “less light in the eyes,” which may be perceived as dimming.
Another study found that people diagnosed with bipolar disorder may have more sensitivity to light during hypomanic and manic episodes.
During mania, levels of noradrenalin increase. This can cause dilation of the pupils. This could potentially make the eyes appear darker. Excitement, which is common in mania, is associated with wider eyes.
The eyes can also change during catatonia and psychosis. During catatonia, a neuropsychiatric condition that can occur with bipolar disorder, a person may stare intensely for long periods. There may be decreased eye contact during catatonia. Research has also shown that during psychosis, which may occur with bipolar 1, a person may have changes in the eyes.
Are “Bipolar Eyes” A Reliable Sign of The Condition?
Despite the science, looking for signs of bipolar disorder in the eyes is unhelpful. You can’t tell if someone has bipolar disorder by looking in their eyes. Not everyone’s eyes change during manic episodes. Also, normal emotional states, like surprise and happiness, can lead to subtle eye changes.
Are There Other Ways To Know If Someone Has Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). To be diagnosed with bipolar 1, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania. People with bipolar 1 typically experience depressive episodes as well. However, they are not required for a diagnosis. For a bipolar 2 diagnosis, a person must have experienced at least one hypomanic episode and one depressive episode. Signs of mania and hypomania include:
Elevated, euphoric, or irritable mood
Racing thoughts
Impulsivity
Increased energy
Difficulty concentrating
Memory issues
Increased talkativeness
A decreased need for sleep
Risky behaviors
Signs of a depressive episode include:
Persistent low mood or sadness
Sleep disturbances
Feeling hopeless or trapped
Fatigue or low motivation
Isolating from friends or family
A loss of interest in normal activities
Thoughts or death or suicide or suicide attempts
Everything You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder
If you are having suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) to talk to a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in danger right now, call 911.
If you believe that you or someone you love has bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek a professional assessment from a mental health professional.
The Bottom Line
You can’t tell whether someone has bipolar disorder or is in a manic episode just by looking at their eyes. Bipolar disorder may affect the eyes in small ways. However, “manic eyes” should not be taken as a sign that someone has bipolar disorder.
