FILE Vision and Emotions: How do our eyes reveal our feelings?

Eyes are often called the "mirrors of the soul," a phrase that reflects how much of our emotions are expressed visually. Indeed, our eyes play a central role in nonverbal communication. Facial expressions, changes in the pupil, or even the way we move our eyes are all clues that reveal our inner feelings. This close connection between vision and emotion allows us not only to understand others, but also to convey our own feelings without uttering a word.

Vision and emotions: eyes as actors in non-verbal communication

Eyes play a central role in nonverbal communication, and often speak louder than words. This phenomenon is universal: whether through a fleeting glance, a discreet smile, or an expression of surprise, the eyes are the immediate and instinctive reflection of our emotions . Nonverbal communication, or body language, relies heavily on the eyes to convey what we feel, especially in contexts where words fail or are not necessary.

Eye contact, for example, is one of the most powerful indicators of attention and emotion. Maintaining direct eye contact can convey interest, affection, or trust, while avoiding eye contact can suggest embarrassment, anxiety, or even concealment. In everyday interactions, a direct gaze can strengthen communication , particularly by giving weight to shared emotions. Conversely, looking away, lowering the gaze, or blinking repeatedly are all signs that the person is uncomfortable.

Facial expressions also play a key role, and the eyes are at the center of them. When we smile genuinely, the corners of the eyes crinkle slightly, forming what is called a " Duchenne smile ." This type of genuine smile, which includes the involvement of the muscles around the eyes, is often seen as a sign of true happiness, unlike a superficial smile where only the muscles of the mouth are involved.

The importance of the eyes in nonverbal communication is not limited to positive emotions. Studies show that negative emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness are also reflected in the gaze . A frown, lowered eyelids, or a fixed, piercing stare can betray great anger or a feeling of frustration, even without a word being spoken. The human gaze is thus an immediate vector of our emotional states and intentions.

Physiological changes in the eyes due to emotions

Emotions not only influence the outward appearance of the eyes, they also change their internal functioning. The physiological changes in the eyes that occur as a result of emotion are often involuntary and can provide precise clues about a person's emotional state. Among these changes, pupil dilation is one of the most fascinating and well-studied.

Pupil dilation, called " mydriasis ," is an automatic phenomenon that occurs in response to external or emotional stimuli. When a person experiences a strong emotion, whether positive such as love or excitement, or negative such as fear or anger, the pupils tend to dilate. This change, although subtle, is linked to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body to respond to intense situations.

This phenomenon can be observed in situations of attraction or romantic interest. Studies have shown that when we look at a person or object that we like, our pupils dilate, as an instinctive way of absorbing more visual information. Mydriasis is therefore a biological indicator of attraction and intense emotion, although it is difficult to consciously control.

On the other hand, certain emotions can also influence the frequency of blinking. During moments of stress or nervousness , blinking becomes more frequent , a phenomenon attributed to anxiety that disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system. This behavior, although involuntary, can be perceived by observers as a clear sign of worry or discomfort.

Finally, tears are a physiological response directly related to vision and emotions. Crying is one of the most obvious reactions of the eyes to intense emotions, whether happy or sad. Emotional tears differ from basal tears (those that naturally lubricate the eyes) or reflex tears (which appear in response to irritants) and are triggered by deep feelings. They not only contribute to the expression of sadness, but can also be a way to relieve emotional stress.

Eye Movement and the Relationship with Feelings

Eye movements are another fascinating aspect of the link between eyes and emotions. The way our eyes move through space, whether consciously or unconsciously, can reveal crucial information about what we are feeling or thinking at any given moment.

When we are thinking, our eyes tend to move in different directions , and these movements are sometimes associated with specific cognitive processes. For example, it is often observed that when a person looks up, they are drawing on visual memories. In contrast, a gaze directed to the left could indicate reflection on auditory memories, and a gaze directed to the right could indicate creative or imaginative thought. These movements are frequently used in psychology to assess how individuals process information, but they can also provide clues about their emotional state. Here again, a strong link between vision and emotions.

The fixed or evasive gaze is also an important emotional indicator of the relationship between vision and emotions. An intense and direct gaze can signal aggression or great concentration, while a fleeting or avoidant gaze can be interpreted as a sign of embarrassment or insecurity. The latter behavior is often associated with feelings of shame or guilt, where the individual seeks to avoid confrontation or judgment from others.

In addition, studies have shown that the rhythm of eye movements varies according to the emotions felt. When we are stressed or in a state of alert, our eyes tend to make jerky movements, quickly seeking to capture information in the environment. On the other hand, during moments of calm or happiness, eye movements become more fluid , a sign of relaxation and serenity.

Eyes as revealers of complex emotions

Beyond simple emotions like joy, sadness, or anger, the eyes can also reflect more complex and nuanced emotions . Microexpressions, which often last less than a second, are involuntary facial expressions that reveal emotions that we sometimes try to hide. The eyes are at the center of these microexpressions, revealing deep emotions that the rest of the face might try to hide.

Let's take the emotion of surprise as an example. While it is often associated with an opening of the eyes and a dilation of the pupils, it can also be combined with other emotions like fear or excitement, creating a complex expression that only attentive observers could correctly interpret.

Eyes are also a mirror of ambivalent emotions. When we feel conflicting emotions, such as sadness mixed with relief, our eyes can betray this ambivalence. A person who cries while smiling might reflect this mixture of emotions, where sadness over loss is accompanied by relief or acceptance, for example.

Finally, eyes play a role in social interactions where complex emotions are at play. In situations where manipulation or concealment of emotions are present, such as in political or professional contexts, eyes can betray a person's true feelings. A brief look of disdain or a quick blink may be the only clues to discomfort or contempt being felt.

Eyes are not only windows to the outside world, they are also doors to our inner world . Through subtle but telling changes—whether it’s pupil dilation, eye movements, or complex facial expressions—our eyes communicate how we feel, often before we’re even fully aware of it. Whether in situations of joy, sadness, fear, or confusion, the eyes reveal a multitude of emotional nuances, making them a powerful tool for emotional communication . By better understanding the connection between vision and emotion, we can not only improve our interpersonal communication, but also develop a greater awareness of ourselves and others.