Exposure keratopathy secondary to lagophthalmos with facial nerve palsy – Challenges in management

Abstract

Exposure keratopathy is a corneal damage that occurs from prolonged exposure of the ocular surface to the outside environment. Exposure keratopathy can lead to keratitis, ulceration, and cornea scarring. Lagophthalmos is the inability to close the eyelid completely and this leads to a portion of the eye remaining open and subject to cornea damage. Here, we describe the 72-year-old man with a case of exposure keratopathy secondary to facial nerve palsy with complications of cornea ulceration and scarring that cause permanent vision loss. We discuss difficult challenges during management from medical to surgical management.