Can't keep eyes closed at the end of static?

[Simos]

I was wondering whether most of you manage to keep your eyes closed all the way to the very end of your max static attempt (ie until you surface) or do you open the eyes at some point?

I've noticed that sometimes I have trouble keeping my eyes closed towards the end - it's an odd feeling , my eye lids 'flatter' and it's more effort to try and keep them shut than open them.

Trouble is that once my eyes are open, while I feel I can go on for longer, I somehow decide in my head that the dive is over since I lost relaxation and just come slowly up...

Anyone else experiences that? Do you think I should try to close the eyes again and keep going when this happens or continue with eyes open? Am I going mad? Lol
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[pingshui]

I often have my eyes open when the struggle begins. Staring at the bottom of the pool where the light is playing distracts me from the discomfort and calms me down. This way I can enter into a second phase of relaxation. For me, opening the eyes also helps me to reassure myself that I am still concious, as long as I see clearly Although this might not match with reality, but it comforts me.

 

[buddha]

I often have my eyes open when the struggle begins. Staring at the bottom of the pool where the light is playing distracts me from the discomfort and calms me down. This way I can enter into a second phase of relaxation. For me, opening the eyes also helps me to reassure myself that I am still concious, as long as I see clearly Although this might not match with reality, but it comforts me.

Same for me...
I try to relax "again" and give a second chance to myself because I know this is not the end.

 

[Simos]

Thanks guys, interesting... I also actually find it reassuring to be able to see the bottom of the pool, make sure I'm still ok. On my first comp actually a couple of years ago I remember opening my eyes at the end and not being able to see anything, so I got worried and came up and still couldn't see anything, then after a couple of breaths realised my mask was just really foggy lol
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[trux]

... and especially, with open eyes in the final phase, you can better see the fading vision (sign of progressing hypoxia) coming. Not so easy with closed eyes

 

[Simos]

Ok i'm convinced, open eyes it is then!
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[efattah]

Every one I know has their eyes open around the time when the struggle begins.

Nevertheless, as Trux says, it is important to have eyes open to detect fading vision, but keeping the eyes closed as long as possible still might help as the brain consumes a bit less oxygen with eyes closed.

 

[shark109]

Are you sure of that Eric?

 

[Kars]

Are you sure of that Eric?

Closed eyes safe energy because there is less information input to the brain that demands processing.

I even try to swim parts of my dynamic with closed or partially closed eyes.
And in deepdiving, in the glide I close my eyes too, taking an occasional peak to check if I'm still on course.