Exposure Keratitis

Exposure keratitis is corneal epithelial damage due to inadequate eyelid closure (lagophthalmos, facial palsy, proptosis, ectropion), causing drying and exposure of the cornea. Clinical: grittiness, redness, photophobia, punctate epithelial defects on the exposed cornea, and risk of ulceration. Treatment: frequent lubricants/night ointment; taping/tarsorrhaphy for protection; treat underlying cause (facial palsy/proptosis); surgical lid procedure if persistent.

Common Symptoms

Grittiness/redness; photophobia; exposure-related punctate stains; lagophthalmos/facial palsy/proptosis

Causes and Pathogenesis

Incomplete eyelid closure dries and damages the exposed corneal epithelium.

Treatment

Lubricants/night ointment; taping/tarsorrhaphy; treat cause; surgical lid procedure if persistent

Preventive Measures

Protect cornea; treat facial palsy/proptosis.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Ophthalmology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.