Rest and reduced stimulation
A relaxed iguana may partially or fully close its eyes while resting or basking. Body posture and environmental context help separate this from a more defensive response.
During interaction
If eye closing happens specifically when a person or another animal approaches, treat it as information about the interaction rather than proof of affection or trust.
Read the whole animal
Head orientation, muscle tension, dewlap position, breathing, escape attempts and tail posture provide more context than eyelids alone.
Health boundary
Persistent eye closure accompanied by swelling, discharge, injury, appetite loss or general lethargy needs veterinary assessment rather than a behavior-only explanation.
Keep exploring
Use the related guides to connect this topic with species, behavior, anatomy and habitat rather than treating it as an isolated fact.
Sources & further reading
Key factual claims on this page were checked against these references.