The problem with eyes open is that the majority of stimulus in the brain at all times is through the optic nerve. Thus eyes open causes an attachment to the current channel and makes it very difficult to shift consciousness to higher levels.
Closing the eyes facilitates the shift. Then open your eyes and lock onto the new higher level. It actually facilitates the born again experience at the new level of reality.
Still, we sit with eyes open, vision unfocussed.
Maybe it has to do with goals somehow.
I have no idea, but I’ve always thought as the eastern religions as more introspective and thinking of inner peace, etc. (eyes shut).
Whereas in Christianity there is the great commission (make disciples of all nations...), which may be represented by the open eyes. Add in the thought that those who are not disciples will spend eternity in Hell - that may lend to the wild eyed look.