Have you noticed that one or both of your eyes don’t fully close when you blink or sleep? If so, you may be experiencing a condition called lagophthalmos—a medical term for the inability to completely close the eyelids. While that may sound minor, it’s actually a serious issue that can compromise the health and function of your eyes if left untreated.
Of Course, Blinking Matters
We don’t think about blinking much—it just happens. But behind every blink is a complex, finely tuned process that protects the eye and keeps it healthy.
Each time you blink:
- Your eyelids spread a fresh layer of tears across the eye.
- The tears clear out dust, debris, and microorganisms.
- The blink motion locks in moisture, keeping the ocular surface hydrated and comfortable.
When blinking is disrupted, your eyes are left exposed to dryness, irritation, and even long-term damage.
What Causes Lagophthalmos?
Lagophthalmos is often linked to facial nerve dysfunction—specifically issues with the seventh cranial nerve (a.k.a. the facial nerve), which controls the muscles responsible for blinking. If this nerve is damaged or weakened, the eyelids may not fully close, even during sleep.
One common trigger is Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and swelling behind the eyes. TED can push the eyes forward and prevent the lids from closing properly, leading to lagophthalmos.
Other causes may include:
- Facial paralysis (e.g., Bell’s palsy)
- Trauma or surgery near the eyelids
- Neurological conditions affecting facial nerves
Why Lagophthalmos Shouldn’t Be Ignored
When your eyes can’t fully close, the tear film doesn’t spread properly, and that can lead to dry eye syndrome, corneal irritation, or even corneal ulcers in severe cases. Over time, unprotected eyes can become red, gritty, painful, and vulnerable to infection.
How Lagophthalmos Is Treated
If you’re diagnosed with lagophthalmos, your eye specialist will determine a treatment plan based on the cause and severity of your condition. Some common solutions include:
- Lubricating eye drops or gels to maintain moisture
- Nighttime eye protection, such as moisture goggles or medical tape
- Gold or platinum eyelid implants to help the eyelid close
- Surgical procedures to adjustthe lid position or reduce the eye’s exposure
- Botox, in some cases, to address muscular imbalances around the eye
The key is restoring your eye’s natural ability to blink and protect itself, whether through supportive measures or more permanent correction.
Eye Health Starts with a Blink
Lagophthalmos is more than an eyelid issue—it’s a condition that can quietly lead to serious eye problems if not addressed early. If you’ve noticed difficulty blinking, incomplete eyelid closure, or unusual eye dryness, don’t wait to get checked out. Your eyes deserve comfort, protection, and clarity—every blink of the way.
Take the first step and contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
