![]() ![]() Another step that can be taken for symptom management is by using ophthalmic ointment at night and viscoadaptive artificial tears or eye drops during the day. A simple measure that can be taken to help reduce the symptoms associated with lagophthalmos can be in rearranging the sleeping environment to minimize direct air flow to the eyes (for example from an air vent or ceiling fan) as well as increasing the humidity in the room. There are several ways to manage and relieve the symptoms associated with lagophthalmos, which can be discussed with your primary eye care provider. The ocular consequence to these facial nerve impairments is lagophthalmos, as the nerve damage may result in the eyelid being unable to close completely. Facial palsy, which can result from a variety of causes including infection, genetics, and trauma, involves facial nerve damage, weakness, and paralysis. Having exposed parts of the eye during the day or night can lead to potential eye damage from dryness and having ineffective or partial blinks can create lower tear production and reduce the quality of the tears.Īdditionally, lagophthalmos can be caused by facial nerve palsy (such as Bell’s palsy). While it is the upper eyelids that are mainly responsible for wiping fresh tears across the eyes, a full, complete blink promotes the proper oily secretion from both the upper and lower meibomian glands. This ineffective blink leaves part of the eye exposed, causing evaporation of the tear film and leading to the symptoms associated with dry eye disease. Lagophthalmos can occur during the day as well, when, during blinking, the upper and lower eyelids do not form a complete, closed seal. Often, symptoms are worse in the morning after sleep and improve during the day. Others can experience more severe discomfort and have significant ocular symptoms, which can include dryness, irritation, soreness, foreign body sensation, eye pain, eye watering, and sometimes blurred vision. Some people with nocturnal lagophthalmos experience mild or even no symptoms at all, as partially open eyes during sleep can frequently be observed in healthy individuals. There are several potential causes for this condition such as environmental, alcohol consumption, the use of hypnotic medication, and genetic factors, since the disorder can be hereditary. One relatively common ocular disorder that can occur during the night is nocturnal lagophthalmos, which refers to the inability to close the eyelids completely during sleep. ![]() Lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure): Applying a long-lasting, lubricating ointment before going to bed, such as I-MED Pharma’s I-DEFENCE®, is an effective way to protect and moisturize the ocular surface during sleep. Protecting the surface of the eyes during sleep can have an impact in the management of these medical conditions as well improving daytime ocular comfort and health. Nocturnal lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure during sleep), facial nerve palsy (most commonly Bell’s palsy), floppy eyelid syndrome (everted eyelids during sleep), and sleep apnea are all conditions that have a link with both eye- and sleep- disorders. When this process of closing and keeping our eyes closed during sleep is interrupted, it can contribute to the development of a number of eye disorders and also add to the signs and symptoms associated with dry eye disease. While this act most likely helps us to both fall asleep and maintain sleep, it is also a way to help protect the ocular surface during sleep. Usually, to go to sleep, one of the first things we do is close our eyes. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, and while the exact purpose of sleep is not known, what is known is that we all need it. ![]()
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