Lagophthalmos

Lagophthalmos is characterized by the inability to fully close the eyelids. The symptoms include lacrimation, eye pain, blurry vision, and the eyes’ foreign body sensation. This is based on the Greek word, “lagoos” which means “hare”; there is a myth that hares sleep with their eyes open. Patients with this condition may also present with irritated and dry eyes. The causes include head trauma, infections, thyroid disease, Bell’s palsy, and obstructive sleep apnea.

For instance, the anomaly of the eyelid may be due to a facial nerve malfunction or a decrease in orbiculari tone.The treatments include application of artificial tears or ointments, gold weight implantation into the upper eyelid, and lower eyelid tightening and elevation.