Is Sleeping with Your Eyes Open Normal?

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EyeQue Team

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March 20, 2019

Woman sleeping with eyes open near sleeping spouse.

Maybe you remember seeing a family member fall asleep with their eyes open in the recliner after Thanksgiving dinner, or you have a friend who claims they can sleep with their eyes open in public. It may sound strange, but the ability to sleep with eyes open is more common than you think… It is called “nocturnal lagophthalmos,” and it affects as much as 20% of the population.

What is nocturnal lagophthalmos?

Nocturnal lagophthalmos is the inability to close the eyelids while sleeping, meaning those affected sleep with eyes open. There are cases of obvious nocturnal lagophthalmos, where it is easy to observe a person sleeping with their eyes open, but someone can also have obscure nocturnal lagophthalmos where their eyelashes or upper lid may appear to cover the eye as they sleep.

What happens if you have nocturnal lagophthalmos?

Although it may sound funny to be able to watch someone sleep with eyes open, nocturnal lagophthalmos can cause serious issues for the sufferer. This condition negatively impacts the distribution of the eye’s tear film, leading to an inability to keep the eye properly hydrated and protected from outside infections. Nocturnal lagophthalmos also causes the cornea, the clear protective layer around the outside of our eyes, to dry out and break down.

What are the symptoms?

Those suffering from nocturnal lagophthalmos may not experience any symptoms at all. However, most people with this condition experience dry, burning, and irritated eyes. Their eyes may water excessively, and they may contract eye infections on a frequent basis.

How is it treated?

If you think you may have nocturnal lagophthalmos, you should first see an ophthalmologist to find the root cause behind the condition. After examination, your ophthalmologist may find they are able to directly treat the underlying condition. Otherwise, they may use one of these treatments described by the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

  • Tape the eyelids shut with medically-safe tape
  • Prescribe an ointment or eye drops to use at night
  • Advise surgery for your eyelids

 

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