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Lagophthalmos

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]


Overview

Lagophthalmos is defined as the inability to close the eyelids completely.[1]

Blinking covers the eye with a thin layer of tear fluid, thereby promoting a moist environment necessary for the cells of the exterior part of the eye. The tears also flush out foreign bodies and wash them away. This is crucial to maintain lubrication and proper eye health. If this process is impaired, as in lagophthalmos, the eye can suffer abrasions and infections.

Pathophysiology

Lagophtalmos can arise from a malfunction of the Facial nerve.[2]

References

  1. Cline D; Hofstetter HW; Griffin JR. Dictionary of Visual Science. 4th ed. Butterworth-Heinemann, Boston 1997. ISBN 0-7506-9895-0
  2. Kliniska Färdigheter: Informationsutbytet Mellan Patient Och Läkare, LINDGREN, STEFAN, ISBN 91-44-37271-X

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