Why do peoples eyes go black when they die?

People's eyes don't necessarily turn black when they die. The appearance of a person's eyes after death can vary and may depend on several factors, including individual differences and the circumstances of death. Here are a few possible reasons for the perceived darkening of eyes after death:

1. Loss of Hydration: After a person dies, the body begins to lose moisture and fluids. As a result, the tissues and organs, including the eyes, can become dehydrated. This loss of hydration can make the eyes appear darker or sunken.

2. Clouding of the Cornea: The cornea, which is the transparent outermost layer of the eye, can become cloudy or opaque after death. This clouding is caused by biochemical changes in the corneal tissue and can make the eyes appear dark.

3. Pupillary Changes: The pupils, which are the dark circular openings in the center of the eyes, may become dilated after death. This widening of the pupils can make the eyes look blacker by reducing the visible contrast between the pupil and the iris (the colored part of the eye).

4. Lighting Conditions: The lighting in which a deceased person is viewed can also influence the perception of eye color. In certain lighting conditions, such as low light or unfavorable angles, the eyes may appear darker than they actually are.

It's important to note that not everyone experiences the same changes in eye appearance after death. Some individuals may have eyes that retain their normal color, while others may experience different degrees of darkening or other changes in eye appearance. The reasons for these variations are not fully understood and can depend on factors such as the individual's overall health, the cause of death, and the time elapsed since death.