Lagophthalmos

Lagophthalmos
An example of nocturnal lagophthalmos
Specialty	Ophthalmology

Lagophthalmos is the inability to close the eyelids completely. ^[1]

Blinking covers the eye with a thin layer of tear fluid, thereby promoting a moist environment necessary for the cells of the exterior part of the eye. The tears also flush out foreign bodies and wash them away. This is crucial to maintain lubrication and proper eye health. If this process is impaired, as in lagophthalmos, the eye can suffer abrasions and infections. Lagopthalmos leads to corneal drying and ulceration.