Lagophthalmos


The inability or difficulty in closing eye.  Lagophthalmos may be caused by Bell's Palsy, eye trauma, eye surgery, infection, tumour, stroke and blepharoplasty.  Lagophthalmos can also be present at birth, but this is very rare.  This condition can cause dry eyes and can become very painful.  Ulcers can be formed on the eye surface and vision can be lost.

The first most important treatment for lagophthalmos, is to keep the eye moist so that it does not become dry and painful.   There are various eye drops, which can be used to do this.  Surgical procedures to treat Lagophthalmos, include:

Lateral Tarsorrhaphy

This involves placing tiny stitches on the outer edge of the two eyelids so that they can close, shut.  This can however, effect side vision

Medial Tarsorrhaphy

This surgery is very rare but involves placing tiny stitches on the inner corners of the two eyelids so that they can close, shut.

Eyelid Weight

Some eye surgeons place a small weight on the upper eyelid, so that it becomes heavier and therefore pushes further down over the eyelid. 

Alternative options include plastic surgery.


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