Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.About OwieClear
Check symptoms

Eye that won't close fully (lagophthalmos)

Also called: Lagophthalmos, eye that won't close fully

An eyelid that can't fully close, drying the eye. Common after Bell's palsy or eyelid surgery.

RiskCorneal damage

Overview

An eye that can't close dries out and can get scratched or infected.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Eye won't fully close
  • Dry, gritty, or burning eyes

Less common

  • Dry, red eye

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden vision loss, a curtain over vision, or a painful red eye with vision changes: go to the ER.
Get care todayEye pain.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.

Causes

Nerve weakness, scarring.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Bell's palsy

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Eye exam:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

  • Lubricating drops by day
  • Ointment and tape at night

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Protect the eye after Bell's palsy

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • People after face surgery: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment protects the eye.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing this?
  • What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Eye that won't close fully (lagophthalmos)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.