What is "lagophthalmos"

Lagophthalmia \Lag`oph*thal"mi*a\, Lagophthalmos \Lag`oph*thal"mos\, n. [NL. lagophtalmia, fr. Gr. lagw`s hare + 'ofqalmo`s eye; -- so called from the notion that a hare sleeps with his eyes open.] (Med.) A morbid condition in which the eye stands wide open, giving a peculiar staring appearance.

n. lagophthalmia

n. abnormal condition in which an eye cannot close completely

Lagophthalmos is defined as the inability to close the eyelids completely.

Blinking covers the eye with a thin layer of tear fluid, thereby promoting a moist environment necessary for the cells of the exterior part of the eye. The tears also flush out foreign bodies and wash them away. This is crucial to maintain lubrication and proper eye health. If this process is impaired, as in lagophthalmos, the eye can suffer abrasions and infections. Lagopthalmos leads to corneal drying and ulceration.