6 Secret Meanings Behind Dilated Pupils

The eyes are the windows to the soul. This might be a cliché, but there’s some truth to it. For example, research shows that dilated pupils can signal a lot of things. Here are 6 secret meanings behind dilated pupils.

When someone has dilated pupils, it may mean that:

1. They are thinking hard

The harder someone concentrates on a cognitive task, the bigger their pupils become.

2. They may have brain damage

The reason why doctors flash a light before your eyes during medical exams is to see if your pupils are equal, round and reactive to light. If not, this may indicate brain damage.

MORE: 10 Messages My Eyes Are Sending You, According To Science

3. They are interested in what you are saying

Pupils become dilated and stay like this if what I hear or see catches and holds my interest.

4. They are sexually aroused

Both women and men’s pupils dilate when they are sexually excited.

MORE: 5 Myths About Sexuality That Everybody Believes

5. They are in pain

The opposite may also be true, since dilated pupils can indicate physical pain.

MORE: How Body Language Can Help You Read People’s Hidden Emotions

6. They are on drugs

Some drugs, like amphetamine, cocaine, LSD and mescaline, cause the pupils to dilate.

What the exact meaning behind dilated pupils is can be revealed by paying attention not only to what our bodies do, but also to the particular situation in which we are. Please, share this!

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