I noticed that 87.5yr old mom sleeps with eyes open at night. It seems to be like a trance that happens happens from time to time. I have heard her whisper to people from her past like her childhood favorite pet. I wonder if this has to do with the many eye operations she has had over the last ten years.
I'd ask her doctor about this. It doesn't seem like this should be caused by eye operations unless she can't close her eyes normally, at all. Try asking her primary physician what he or she thinks. It doesn't seem like anything to worry about, but it's always good to get a medical opinion.
Carol
She may be okay otherwise, but being put to bed rather than stay in the recliner for 15 hours sounds better to me. However, if she can't be moved, she should be covered to keep her from getting chilled. Medical people will have to make the diagnosis if they can.
I'd have suspected a medication reaction and still would if that option hasn't been considered by the doctor but I'm assuming that it has.
Good luck to you in finding a solution. Some of these things pass but this certainly is a puzzling symptom.
Carol
I caught her like this twice. First time, I called her and she responded almost immediately, so she was sleeping (?). Second time, same face but very pale lips, I called her and she did not answer. I called her three times and shook her and she woke up. Now I went to see her, she had both eyes opened, pale skin (maybe it's her normal tone) and I called her, she disn't answer, so I touched her, and she closed her eyes slowly...and kept sleeping