1. An abnormal and persistent dread of mirrors: People affected by eisoptrophobia experience undue anxiety even though they realize their fear is irrational and is often grounded in superstitions, because they may worry that breaking a looking glass will bring bad luck or that looking into a smooth polished surface that reflects their image will put them in contact with a supernatural world inside the glass or polished surface.

Mirrors and other reflective surfaces have long been associated with the strange or the bizarre. For example, in Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in the water of a fountain. He thought he was seeing the image of a beautiful nymph. Unable to embrace or call forth the semblance, he pined away and was eventually transformed into a flower.

2. Etymology: eisoptrophobia is derived from the Greek eis, "into" and optikos, "vision, image, sight".

Sometimes eisoptrophobia is mistakenly used to refer to termites, but such a reference is actually "isopterophobia".

Additional eisoptrophobia information

Known by a number of names: Eisoptrophobia, Fear of Mirrors, and Fear of Seeing Oneself in a Mirror are the most common terms. The problem often significantly impacts the quality of life. It can cause panic attacks and keep people apart from loved ones and business associates.

Symptoms of eisoptrophobia typically include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and overall feelings of dread; however, everyone experiences eisoptrophobia in his or her own way and may suffer with different symptoms.