A Mystery No More

Dr Pirrello et al. state: “Lagophthalmos derives from the Greek terms λαγος (hare) and οφταλμος (eye). It is a condition in which the eyelids are unable to close the palpebral aperture completely and cover the whole eye. Hares in fact sleep with their eyes open.” This statement requires some etymologic remarks.

The belief that hares sleep with their eyes open can be found in the literature ever since the ancient Greek and Roman societies. For a long time the hare’s habits were hardly known. The hare was a mysterious creature and became the subject to much folklore. Nowadays, however, many of the mysteries about the hare are disproved as we are now better able to observe hares with our modern filming techniques. We now know that hares are able to close their eyes and that they do not sleep with their eyes open.

– Source

See also the previous posts:
• Golden-Coloured Eyes
• Amber Eyes

Images: Photographers unknown.