Exposure keratopathy can be caused by which conditions?

Exposure keratopathy can be caused by which conditions?

• A. Incomplete lid closure
• B. Ectropion
• C. Bell palsy
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Exposure keratopathy results from inadequate protection and lubrication of the cornea by the eyelids and tear film. When the eyelids don’t close completely, as in lagophthalmos, the cornea is exposed to air between blinks, leading to drying, epithelial loss, and surface damage. Ectropion, the outward turning of the lid margin, prevents proper lid apposition and tear film distribution over the cornea, increasing exposure and irritation. Bell palsy causes facial nerve weakness that impairs eyelid closure and blinking, producing lagophthalmos and reduced tear spreading, with drying and keratopathy. Since each condition can produce corneal exposure, all of the above can cause exposure keratopathy.

Exposure keratopathy results from inadequate protection and lubrication of the cornea by the eyelids and tear film. When the eyelids don’t close completely, as in lagophthalmos, the cornea is exposed to air between blinks, leading to drying, epithelial loss, and surface damage. Ectropion, the outward turning of the lid margin, prevents proper lid apposition and tear film distribution over the cornea, increasing exposure and irritation. Bell palsy causes facial nerve weakness that impairs eyelid closure and blinking, producing lagophthalmos and reduced tear spreading, with drying and keratopathy. Since each condition can produce corneal exposure, all of the above can cause exposure keratopathy.