What is Exposure Keratopathy?  What is the treatment for Exposure Keratopathy?

Exposure keratopathy is caused by the drying of the ocular surface.  Typically, this is caused by incomplete blinks, sleeping with one’s eyelids opened, or abnormal eyelids (from trauma or surgery.)  Once the surface of the eye dries the function of the cornea is hindered.  This can lead to more severe conditions like a neurotrophic ulcer.  This can also be caused by bell’s palsy or the loss of function of the facial nerve.   One will experience blurry vision, haze, eye irritation, tearing, red eyes, dryness, and pain.  Treatment involves lubricating the eye with artificial tears and ointments, antibiotic ointment, taping lid closed, avoiding environmental factors, or surgically correcting lids.

Treatment

     Treating underlining condition

     Artificial tears and ointments

     Antibiotic ointments

     Taping lid closed

     Surgically closing lid (tarsorrhaphy)