And yes, it’s not easy to fully close your eyelids if you have buggy eyes.Įyelid damage can be a reason for the failure of the lids to close. If nocturnal lagophthalmos is left untreated for an extended period, patients risk seriously damaging their eyes and vision.Remember Marty Feldman who played the servant Igor in Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein?” His bulging eyes were the result of a severe case of Graves’ disease, a form of hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. 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 Leah Meulendijks at Leongatha Optometrists in Leongatha for a proper diagnosis and to receive prompt treatment.
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.
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 Leah Meulendijks at Leongatha Optometrists today. 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.
0 kommentar(er)
