Lagophthalmos

This condition is characterised by inability to voluntarily close eyelids.

Etiology :
It occurs in patients with paralysis of orbicularis oculi muscle, cicatricial contraction of the lids, symblepheron, severe ectropion, proptosis, following over resection of the levator muscle.

Complications : include exposure keratitis, conjunctival and corneal xerosis.

Treatment :
To prevent exposure keratitis, artificial tear drops should be instilled frequently and open palpebral fissure should be filled with an antibiotic eye ointment during sleep.

Tarsorraphy may be performed to cover the exposed cornea when indicated.