Nocturnal lagophthalmos crt8/28/2023 NL should be proactively investigated and addressed as, from my experience, it can greatly exacerbate other forms of dry eye (such as aqueous-deficient, Bell’s palsy, medication-induced, etc.). The problems associated with NL manifest similarly to those from inadequate blinking during the day or prolonged screen use: namely, symptoms of dryness and irritation due to enhanced tear film evaporation, with ensuing ocular surface inflammation. Nocturnal lagophthalmos (NL) describes incomplete eyelid closure during sleep. Once poor lid seal has been diagnosed, appropriate treatment can be given, as shown in the stated case study. Be sure to bring along a list of all medications and nutritional supplements you routinely take, as it will help us determine whether there is any causation, and provide you with a more effective treatment plan.ĭry Eye Center At Long Island Vision Care serves patients from Huntington, Lake Grove, Hicksville, Brentwood, and throughout Long Island.The Korb-Blackie light test is a simple method for detecting poor nocturnal lagophthalmos and should be used to evaluate patients with dry eye. The best way to determine the cause of your morning dry eyes is to visit us for a comprehensive eye exam. In those with severe cases of nocturnal lagophthalmos, eyelid surgery may be necessary. Using a humidifier will ensure that you sleep in a moisture-rich environment that is less likely to dry out your eyes. How to Treat Morning Dry Eyeĭepending on the cause, morning dry eye can be treated with sleeping masks, lubricating eye drops, eyelid weights, and ointment applied right before bed. However, it may take several weeks or months for symptoms to completely disappear. In the majority of cases, medication-related dry eye symptoms will resolve once the medication is discontinued. If you are taking any of the medications listed above and are experiencing dry eye symptoms, speak with us to see whether there are alternative treatments less likely to cause dry eye. Medication Taken at BedtimeĬertain medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, may cause dry eyes while you sleep. This can interfere with your ability to close your eyes while sleeping. Protruding or bulging eyes are a common symptom of Graves’ disease, a form of hyperthyroidism. Complications from surgery, an injury, an illness, or an eye disorder, including glaucoma and optic neuropathy, can cause eyelid damage. Environmental conditions, such as windy and dry climates, can also cause your tear volume to diminish due to increased tear evaporation.ĭamaged eyelids can make it difficult to fully close the eyes during sleep. Tear production tends to diminish with age, due to some medical conditions or as a side effect of specific medicines. If you aren’t producing enough tears at night, you will be unable to flush inflammation-causing substances from your eyes while you sleep. If left untreated, this condition can result in corneal scarring, eye infections, and impaired vision. Nocturnal lagophthalmos is the inability to close your eyelids during sleep, usually due to a problem with the skin or muscles around your eyes. Ordinarily, during sleep your eyelids provide vital protection from air and debris that can irritate or damage the cornea. What Causes Red, Itchy or Painful Eyes Upon Waking? Nocturnal Lagophthalmos If you’re experiencing any of the above, speak with us today. Another possibility is that you’re not producing sufficient tears at night to flush out irritants. Perhaps your eyelids don’t fully close while you sleep (nocturnal lagophthalmos), or the symptoms are a side effect of certain medications that you take. Why do some people experience worsening symptoms at night? If your eyes feel sandy, dry, or as if they’re burning in the morning, it can be due to several factors. Waking up with dry eyes can adversely affect the positive feelings gained from a good night’s sleep. Many dry eye sufferers experience a flare-up at night, either late in the evening or during the night.
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