lagophthalmos, lagophthalmus

(lăg″ŏf-thăl′mōs)

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(-mŭs)
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[Gr. lagos, hare, + ophthalmos, eye]
An incomplete closure of the palpebral fissure when an attempt is made to shut the eyelids. This results in evaporation of the tear film with exposure of the bulbar conjunctiva and cornea to drying, injury, and/or inflammation. This condition is caused by contraction of a scar of the eyelid, facial nerve injury, atony of the orbicularis palpebrarum, or exophthalmos.

TREATMENT
Artificial tears or other ocular lubricants are needed to prevent corneal ulceration.

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