Definition
The lagophthalmos is a condition characterized by the impossibility of completely closing one or both eyelids.
This symptom may depend on facial nerve paralysis, lesions of the eye's orbicular muscle, and congenital malformations. The lagophthalmos can also develop in the presence of scars retraent to the eyelids, caused by physical trauma or complications of medical interventions (such as blepharoplasty). Other causes include exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeball from the orbit) and ectropion (rotation of the eyelid on the outside).
Lagophthalmos can also occur in comatose patients with a decrease in orbicular muscle tone and in people with severe skin disorders such as ichthyosis.
The incomplete closure of the palpebral fissure leaves part of the cornea and the conjunctiva exposed and exposed to the action of external agents. This promotes various consequences, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis and corneal abrasions.
In the more severe forms, the cornea becomes opaque, neovascularized and presents ulcerative phenomena, which can become complicated with infectious processes.
Possible Causes * of Lagophthalmos
- Herpes simplex
- Herpes zoster ophthalmic
- Stroke
- Ichthyosis
- Acoustic neurinoma
- Down syndrome
