Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare genetic condition that affects the eyes, eventually leading to vision loss. Learn more about how to manage this…. Photophobia refers to an increased sensitivity to light, which can result in pain or avoidance. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment…. What happens if you sleep with your eyes open? Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O. Causes Treatment Diagnosis Complications Sleep quality Takeaway People who sleep with their eyes open may wake up feeling their eyes are dry and grainy.
Causes of nocturnal lagophthalmos. What are the treatment options? Share on Pinterest Up to 20 percent of people may sleep with their eyes open. How is it diagnosed and is it bad for vision? Share on Pinterest A doctor may use a slit lamp to examine the eyes. How does it affect sleep quality? Outlook and takeaway. Latest news Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.
Related Coverage. Why do my eyes burn? What is a chalazion? Identification and treatment A chalazion is a small, painless lump that can develop on the eyelid. What to know about common eye problems. What is retinitis pigmentosa? What to know about photophobia Photophobia refers to an increased sensitivity to light, which can result in pain or avoidance. Nocturnal lagophthalmos usually won't keep someone from falling asleep. Sleeping with the eyes open may not affect the quality of sleep either.
But the drying and irritation of the eyes could make sleep less restful. And that discomfort can continue after you wake up. You may not know whether you're sleeping with your eyes open. You might need a partner, family member or friend to look or take a picture while you're sleeping.
Your ophthalmologist also can check whether your lids are closing fully during an eye exam. If you think you're sleeping with your eyes open, you should see an ophthalmologist to find out why. Treatments are available for many of the causes and symptoms of nocturnal lagophthalmos.
About Foundation Museum of the Eye. They also thoroughly discuss symptoms, predisposing conditions, and family history with the person experiencing symptoms. Based on the initial consultation, the doctor may recommend a slit lamp examination. This procedure uses a low-power microscope to examine structures in the eye. The doctor may also ask the person experiencing symptoms to blink, and use gloved hands to move the eyelids and check for signs of nerve dysfunction.
The treatment given for nocturnal lagophthalmos varies depending on its cause and the severity of symptoms. If possible, it is important to correct any underlying condition contributing to the problem. For example, a person with nerve damage might consult a neurologist, or someone with a thyroid disorder may require endocrine therapy.
The first goal of treating nocturnal lagophthalmos is to improve dry-eye and prevent keratitis. People experiencing symptoms may be given eye drops to provide lubrication for waking hours and an ointment for bedtime. In more severe cases, doctors may recommend using special tape to keep the eyes shut at night, or a goggle-like device that provides moisture during sleep.
Make sure the room is kept dark so that light does not enter and contribute to awakenings. Using a humidifier or moving your bed away from dry airflow can also lessen dry-eye. People experiencing nocturnal lagophthalmos are encouraged to limit alcohol or sedatives before bed.
People with nocturnal lagophthalmos might find it helpful to practice blinking more frequently and fully during waking hours to ensure the eyes have sufficient moisture.
Some people may require surgical intervention to treat nocturnal lagophthalmos. Relevant surgical techniques include skin grafting, sewing the eyelids closer together, or implanting tiny gold weights in the eyelids. Although these approaches may sound drastic, they are generally well-tolerated and effective. Nocturnal lagophthalmos can be hard to diagnose on your own. Even if another person observes you while you sleep , very small eyelid openings may be obscured by eyelashes and go undetected.
If left untreated, nocturnal lagophthalmos can significantly affect your eye health and compromise sleep. Getting a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan will help you get the quality shut-eye you need. Sarah has covered news topics for digital and print publications. She holds a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Nevada. His research and clinical practice focuses on the entire myriad of sleep disorders.
Terminology about sleep can be confusing. Our sleep dictionary clearly explains common sleep terms so that you can better understand…. This guide to diabetes and sleep discusses common sleep problems, consequences of sleep deprivation, and the link between type 2….
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It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Sleep Foundation editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. Updated July 6, Written by Sarah Shoen.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Abhinav Singh.
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