But this condition, known asnocturnal lagophthalmos, isn’t uncommon.
About 5% of adults sleep with their eyes at least somewhat open.
This can cause affected eyes to dry out and makes them feel tired and/or itchy.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
It’s also prevalent among older adults due to changes in eyelid tissue.
You may also start to sleep with your eyes open after undergoing upperblepharoplasty.
The procedure can help you see better as well as look younger.
However, if too much upper eyelid skin is removed, the lagophthalmos may develop.
Complications
Your eyelids provide a barrier, allowingtearsto lubricate the surface of your eyes.
Along with nutrients, tears have natural antibiotics to help kill viruses and bacteria.
When you sleep with your eyes open, that barrier is broken.
Your eye becomes exposed to the outside environment and the tear film begins to evaporate almost immediately.
Your tear production can be measured to check that your eyes are producing adequate moisture.
The Schirmer test is used to measure your tears.
During the test, small strips of paper are placed under your lower eyelids.
Other tests can be used to determine the quality of your tears.
Special dyes in eye drops can be instilled in your eyes to determine the surface condition of your eyes.
Staining patterns on the corneas will determine the amount of time it takes your tears to evaporate.
Ointments may be applied to the cornea at bedtime in severe cases.
Because ointments can cause vision to blur, most people can only tolerate them during sleep.
A mask worn over the eyes may also help.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you turn down or turn off ceiling fans.
The gold weight is compatible with the body and uses natures gravity to help provide a full blink.
The effects of sleeping with open eyes can be severe.
Treatments could significantly improve your quality of life.
It’s not uncommon to sleep with your eyelids open to some degree.
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