On the slit lamp, the conjunctiva should be assessed for injection or chemosis, followed by examination and testing the cornea for sensitivity. All cranial nerve function should be then examined, especially those governing ocular motility and the orbicularis oculi muscle. If there is lagophthalmos, the vertical height at the greatest distance of the palpebral fissure should be measured, and any scleral or corneal show documented. The degree of lagophthalmos can be measured by asking the patient to close their eyes and checking if there is a space between the upper and lower eyelid margins. The patient should be observed for external signs such as incomplete blink, exophthalmos, eyelid malposition, degree of Bell's phenomenon. For a lower motor neuron lesion causing complete facial paralysis, patients will have a loss of forehead, nasolabial folds, ptosis of the eyebrow, lower lid ectropion, upper lid retraction, lagophthalmos, oral droop, problems with speech, and possibly emotional distress due to the physical effects. If the lesion is the lower motor neuron, then the complete hemiface is affected upper motor neuron lesions will spare the frontalis muscle, and hence the forehead is not affected. This results in a distinctive facial asymmetry. The history of acute facial nerve paralysis is a sudden unilateral loss of facial motor function. A detailed medical history will help to reveal any systemic causes, such as thyroid disease or obstructive sleep apnea. Previous infections in history should be reviewed, especially if it was herpes zoster. If the patient had recent surgery or trauma to the eye, orbit, face, or head, then this should be ascertained. The clinical history is very important and should aim to determine the underlying etiology of the lagophthalmos. The choice of treatment and reconstruction method will depend on the location, severity, etiology of lagophthalmos, as well as patient factors of age, health, and their expectations. Surgical procedures can be dynamic or static and focus on reestablishing eyelid function or eyelid coverage. Medical treatment consists of improving the quantity, quality, and stability of the tear film. Treatment can be divided into medical and surgical modalities. Therefore the patient needs to regain an appearance acceptable to themselves. Any asymmetry in a person's face will likely have a psychological impact. The purpose of treating lagophthalmos is two-fold: to prevent further corneal exposure and to improve eyelid function. There are many etiologies associated with facial nerve paralysis hence a detailed history and workup are necessary to determine treatment of the underlying cause. The primary cause of lagophthalmos is facial nerve paralysis, which leads to paralytic lagophthalmos. Therefore it is essential to recognize the signs of lagophthalmos early and investigate the causes and begin treatment. This can progress to corneal ulceration and perforation. Patients who are unable to blink and completely close their eyes are at risk of corneal exposure, evaporation of the tear film, and subsequent exposure keratopathy. A full eyelid closure with a normal blink reflex is necessary for the maintenance of a stable tear film and healthy ocular surface. Lagophthalmos describes the incomplete or abnormal closure of the eyelids.
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