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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do you close your eyes?

156 replies

GoGoSuperBug · 27/02/2026 21:10

At the dentist? I always close my eyes because it feels weird having someone that close to my face. I hate the opticians because I have to keep my eyes open.

YABU - I keep my eyes open, it would be rude to close them.

YANBU - it’s less awkward for everyone to keep them closed.

OP posts:
MassiveOvaryaction · 27/02/2026 21:46

I genuinely couldn't tell you - probably a bit of both. Take my glasses off though so basically can't see a thing.

As I child I remember our dentist had a massive Where's Wally poster on the ceiling though so he clearly expected eyes open!

TealQueen · 27/02/2026 21:44

I do both
stare to the side of the light. then shut my eyes and do reiki calming exercises on myself.

InterestedDad37 · 27/02/2026 21:40

Monsterslam · 27/02/2026 21:14

I keep them open. I always think they should have a tv on the ceiling

It's certainly a missed advertising opportunity! 🤔

PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 27/02/2026 21:38

Eyes open at the dentist. But eyes closed when I get my hair washed at the hairdresser - it's so she stops talking for a few minutes and I can enjoy the massage chair in peace.

Stressybetty · 27/02/2026 21:37

Yes closed definitely, makes it easier to zone out especially if it's painful or uncomfortable. Ours always has the radio on.

BrickBiscuit · 27/02/2026 21:34

Bruisername · 27/02/2026 21:24

I fell asleep in the middle of a root canal - the dentist couldn’t believe it.

so I imagine your dentist thinks you are finding the whole thing very relaxing

A couple of my dentists have told me they have other patients who fall asleep, but it's not common. They also have the occasional patient who refuses pain relief (eg numbing before drilling), saying they'll just put up with it. I had two fillings in one booking recently. The numbness wore off too early, with just one final bit of drilling to do. I said they could carry on if they were quick, but they refused to and injected me again which caused delay.

Owly11 · 27/02/2026 21:33

Closed and imagining something nice and relaxing.

XenoBitch · 27/02/2026 21:33

No, I feel vulnerable keeping my eyes closed, but also hate seeing the faces peering down at me.

I used to have a fab private dentist, and he gave patients sunglasses.

BillieWiper · 27/02/2026 21:32

Yeah. I forgot for a minute the other day and it's just unnecessary and makes you more conscious of moving your tongue wrong etc. They put big sunglasses on but eyes closed is the way forward.

honeyfox · 27/02/2026 21:31

A bit of open, a bit of closed. My problem is I never know where to position my tongue 😄

LyndaSnellsSniff · 27/02/2026 21:30

Eyes open but fixed on a point on the ceiling. My previous dentist had the most beautifully ornate cornicing which I loved looking at.

I wish I could close my eyes at the hairdresser. It's so bloomin' awkward staring into a mirror for hours.

CottonCandyLand · 27/02/2026 21:30

My dentist has TVs both on the wall and on the ceiling in every treatment room and I can choose what I want to watch.
I watched The Tinder Swindler during one very long appointment 😁

frecklejuice · 27/02/2026 21:29

I’m terrified of the dentist so I shut them and keep them shut until it’s done!

Bruisername · 27/02/2026 21:24

I fell asleep in the middle of a root canal - the dentist couldn’t believe it.

so I imagine your dentist thinks you are finding the whole thing very relaxing

Original poster
GoGoSuperBug · 27/02/2026 21:23

I’ve never had a filling but can’t imagine it’s a relaxing experience to fall asleep!

OP posts:
BrickBiscuit · 27/02/2026 21:22

I have sometimes fallen asleep while having fillings done at the dentist.

ReignOfError · 27/02/2026 21:21

I close mine these days. One of my previous dentists was a qualified pilot, and would show his own beautiful aerial photos on tbe ceiling, so then I kept my eyes open more often.

Original poster
GoGoSuperBug · 27/02/2026 21:21

I didn’t notice anything on the ceiling but I had my eyes closed before I lay down so maybe I missed out. Had a very thorough scale and polish so was in there a little while.

OP posts:
Olderbutwiserpossibly · 27/02/2026 21:21

I agree witb pp: I keep them open but look up at the ceiling.

I have difficulty closing my eyes even when i'm trying to go to sleep actually. I have to keep opening them to check I haven't gone blind and I only go sleep when i'm literally so tired I can't keep my eyes open. For the same reason I keep the curtain in the bedroom slightly open to let a bit of light into the room at night so I can check I can still see. Stems from having very poor eyesight all my life and a father who.went blind.

HappyFrappy · 27/02/2026 21:20

Always shut my eyes, imagining I'm anywhere but there

83048274j · 27/02/2026 21:19

Either stare at the TV on the ceiling or close my eyes. I do close my eyes if I'm getting work done. It helps me cope with it if I can zone out a bit.

Original poster
GoGoSuperBug · 27/02/2026 21:18

I just lay there with my glasses on over my closed eyes, now I think the dentist is wondering what I am doing.

OP posts:
MapleSyrupOnToas · 27/02/2026 21:18

I stare at the ceiling.

Bruisername · 27/02/2026 21:18

I stare at the ceiling. My old dentist had a where’s wally poster up there

i hate the opticians when they’re bobbing around an inch from your face. Find it so hard not to burst out laughing

Ablondiebutagoody · 27/02/2026 21:17

Eyes open, staring at the ceiling. That's why they give you those protective glasses.

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