Why do anime peoples' eyes shrink when they get worked up?
Normally when the fight or flight response activates, the pupils dilate.
>>159270155
Normally, the eyes open up like saucers.
But it is far easier to just make the iris smaller
>>159270249
I came here to say this basically, that's all you need to know OP. Also, for things like this, instead of asking "why" simply think about the effect that artistic technique has on you. Is the feeling of distress conveyed by shrinking the irises? For myself and most other people it does accomplish that, and that is why it is done that way.