What causes our eyes to stare at a fixed object?!
Question: I'm asking this question again because none of the answers given really answered the question. I don't mean when you're caught staring at a person because they look different, good or bad. I'm referring to when you're relaxed, maybe watching TV or reading, then look away, only to find yourself staring at something in the room for several seconds. What causes this to happen? When we try to stop, why is there sometimes an urge to stare at that object again?
Answers: I'm asking this question again because none of the answers given really answered the question. I don't mean when you're caught staring at a person because they look different, good or bad. I'm referring to when you're relaxed, maybe watching TV or reading, then look away, only to find yourself staring at something in the room for several seconds. What causes this to happen? When we try to stop, why is there sometimes an urge to stare at that object again?
I know what you mean. I think this is just the eye muscles taking a rest. If you think about it, they are in constant motion all day long. When you are deep in thought and not needing to look at anything in particular, your eyes take the opportunity to take a break.
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Are you staring at something close and then look away at something in the distance?
Are you saying that you stare at something uncontrollably? If that is the case, then you aren't concentrating on what you are seeing, you're just thinking things over in your head and perhaps if you moved your head around a lot it would be too distracting to keep you in your thoughts.
As for the last question, I'm not sure what you mean. Maybe its some conditioned reflex that you have? The coordination areas in your brain between your eyes, middle ears (vestibular system) and cerebellum are in the same area. A lot of these reflexes never reach conscious thought.
Sorry to answer poorly, but I have no idea what you mean. It sounds like a unique experience.
I know exactly what you mean, as I have experienced this tons of times. I've never wondered about it though. It usually happens when I'm in deep thought or simply TIRED!
I believe we have a sort of "second mind" that takes over for things like driving, and other automatic activities, while we seemingly become unaware of our surroundings and what we are doing.
There are some who will say it could be a "mild" seizure. Well.... I wouldn't jump to that conclusion or worry, unless you are UNABLE to respond to stimuli during this "staring" period. However, I believe others would notice this. In addition, you would have other questionable symptoms.
Simply put, it sounds pretty normal. You may be tired, you may have a lot on your mind or your body just wants to veg out for a few secs.... It's when you can't control it, that I would worry.