SLEEPING WITH OPEN EYES

 Have you ever seen a person who sleeps with eyes opened? Do you know the medical name for that condition? Recalling my stay in a boarding secondary school, one of the senior students in our dorm would be in a deep sleep, and her eyes would be open. It was indeed confusing. Let’s find out if this is normal, shall we?

     NOCTURNAL LAGOPHTHALMOS 

It is not a coincidence that we blink while awake or that our eyelids close when asleep. The inability of one or both of the eyes to shut completely during sleep is known as Nocturnal Lagophthalmos. 

      WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos occurs when the muscles responsible for closing the eyelids (orbicularis oculi) are damaged. Sleeping with open eyes may be associated with,

• Cosmetic eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)
• Use of alcohol/sleeping pills
• Stroke
• Head or face injury (trauma)
• Bell’s palsy
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Hyperthyroidism 

We will stop here and continue in our next post. Your vision is our priority at TREETOP VISION EYE CENTER (TREVEC), located at Utako Abuja. We assure you of the best eye care services at affordable rates and good value for every penny spent. Contact us for an appointment today.

TREVEC CARES!!!