---
title: What is lagophthalmos?
description: "Lagophthalmos is incomplete closure of the eyelids, leaving part of the ocular surface exposed when blinking or sleeping. It can lead to dryness, irritation, and exposure keratopathy. ## Causes Common causes include facial nerve palsy, over‑tight eyelid or brow surgery,…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/what-is-lagophthalmos/"
updated: "2025-12-15"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# What is lagophthalmos?

Lagophthalmos is incomplete closure of the eyelids, leaving part of the ocular surface exposed when blinking or sleeping. It can lead to dryness, irritation, and exposure keratopathy.

## Causes

Common causes include facial nerve palsy, over‑tight eyelid or brow surgery, proptosis from thyroid eye disease, and scarring of the lids.

- Patients may wake with sore, gritty eyes or notice watering and light sensitivity.
- Examination shows a persistent gap between the lids on gentle closure.
- The inferior cornea often shows punctate epithelial erosions from exposure.
- Risk of corneal ulcer increases if exposure is severe and untreated.

## Management

Treatment aims to protect the cornea using lubrication, taping or moisture chambers at night, and surgical procedures if needed.

- Options include temporary tarsorrhaphy, gold‑weight implantation, and lid tightening surgeries.
- Addressing underlying causes, such as facial palsy or thyroid eye disease, is crucial.
- Regular monitoring ensures the cornea remains healthy while function recovers or reconstruction is planned.
- Patient education on lubrication and lid closure exercises supports outcomes.