Question:
My husband recently woke up with an irritated eye, to the point that it was painful, swollen, red and teary. He went to an eye doctor who told him that it was "lazy eyelid syndrome". Apparently, his eyelids "flip" up when he sleeps causing them to become exposed and get scratched. MD prescribed some drops. I've tried finding info on this "syndrome" but have been unsuccessful. Whatever info you could provide would be most helpful. Thanks

Answer:
Floppy eyelid syndrome means exactly what it says.  For various reasons, some people lack the muscle tone or structure to keep their eyelids closed at night, exposing the cornea to dryness and/or abrasions.  A comprehensive ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat this, but sometimes referral to an oculoplastic subspecialist is indicated.

Among other things, it must be distinguished from recurrent erosions, which occur when the surface (epithelium) of the cornea sticks to the lining of the eyelid during sleep and rips away during REM sleep or when opening the eyelids quickly.  The treatment for this condition is directed at the cornea, not the eyelids, and is usually well managed by your local ophthalmologist.  Recalcitrant cases can be referred to a corneal specialist.  Treatment may include hypertonic ointment at bedtime, artificial tears, stromal puncture, or laser treatments. Not all things which go bump in the night are the same, and the key is to make the correct diagnosis in the first place, which is not always easy to do.


Answered by:
Richard G Shugarman, MD

Categories:
Eye Diseases, General Eye Health