The main cause of lagophthalmos is facial nerve paralysis (paralytic lagophthalmos), but it also occurs after trauma or surgery (cicatricial lagophthalmos) or during sleep (nocturnal lagophthalmos). The inability to blink and effectively close the eyes leads to corneal exposure and excessive evaporation of the tear film. If nocturnal lagophthalmos is left untreated for an extended period, patients risk seriously damaging their eyes and vision.Lagophthalmos is the incomplete or defective closure of the eyelids. George Fung at Calgary Dry Eye Treatment Centre in Calgary for a proper diagnosis and to receive prompt treatment. Make sure to consult your eye doctor before undertaking any of these treatments.īecause nocturnal lagophthalmos sometimes signals an underlying condition, it is especially important to contact Dr. In acute cases, surgery may be recommended.Wearing eyelid weights to help keep the eyelids closed.Using a humidifier, which provides a moisture-rich environment to prevent your eyes from drying out.These items are uniquely designed to generate moisture for the eyes while you sleep. Wearing an eye mask or goggles to protect the eyes from external debris and visual stimulation.Administering artificial tears throughout the day, providing a film of moisture around the eyes that protects them at night.This condition can be treated in several ways, depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.
Whatever the cause, the symptoms of nocturnal lagophthalmos are uncomfortable and the consequences can lead to ocular complications. There also tends to be a genetic component to nocturnal lagophthalmos, as it often runs in families. The bulging eyes, known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, can prevent the eyes from closing. OSA is commonly linked to eye diseases like glaucoma and optic neuropathy.Ī common symptom of Grave’s disease, a form of hypothyroidism, is protruding eyes. Furthermore, a condition known as floppy eyelid syndrome can also interfere with eye closure, and is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Moebius syndrome, a rare condition that causes problems with cranial nerves.Įyelids can become damaged as a result of surgery, injury or illness, making it difficult to fully close the eyes during sleep.Autoimmune disorders and infections, such as Lyme disease, chickenpox, Guillain-Barre syndrome, mumps, and several others.Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes temporary paralysis or weakness of facial.Weakness in facial nerves can be attributed to several factors. Issues with facial nerves and muscles surrounding the eyelid can cause the lid to remain open during sleep. The most common reasons for nocturnal lagophthalmos include: There are a number of reasons people might sleep with their eyes open. Why do Certain People Sleep With Their Eyes Open? If your eyelids don’t close, your eyes become more susceptible to dryness, infections, and debris that can scratch and damage the cornea. Closed eyelids block light, which stimulates the brain to wakefulness.Ĭlosing our eyes also protects and lubricates the eyes while we sleep. There are several reasons why it’s important to close our eyes while we sleep. Corneal damage, such as corneal abrasion, sores and ulcers.These contaminants can potentially lead to: Nocturnal lagophthalmos also reduces the eye’s ability to discharge contaminants such as dust and debris that fall into the eye during the night. Eyes that feel scratchy, irritated and dryįor those with nocturnal lagophthalmos, the eye loses the protection of a closed lid and becomes dehydrated, causing the tear layer to evaporate and the eyes to become dry.However, some important indicators may point to the condition, including: It is difficult to evaluate whether your eyes are closed when you're actually asleep. People who have nocturnal lagophthalmos may not even know they have it. What Happens When You Sleep With Your Eyes Open? George Fung at Calgary Dry Eye Treatment Centre today.
If upon waking you experience irritated, dry, tired, red, or painful eyes, or if you suspect you might be sleeping with your eyes open, speak with Dr. Nocturnal lagophthalmos generally indicates an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid problem or an autoimmune disorder.
People may not get as much sleep, or sleep as soundly as they’d like, due to the pain and discomfort caused by the eyes drying out during the night. This condition is problematic because it can interfere with sleep and impact eye health. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation estimates that about 1 in 5 people sleep with their eyes open. But sleeping with eyes open is a common eye and sleep disorder known as nocturnal lagophthalmos. Ever heard the saying “to sleep with one eye open”? It’s generally used as a metaphor when advising one to stay vigilant.
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