Abnormal eyelid morphology Lagophthalmos Some common causes of lagophthalmos are Bell's palsy and other types of facial paralysis, stroke, infection, and trauma. The inability to blink and effectively close the eyes leads to corneal exposure and excessive evaporation of the tear film. The main purpose when treating lagophthalmos is to prevent exposure keratitis and reestablish eyelid function. A condition in which the eyelids do not close to cover the eye completely. Inability to close the eyelids UMLS:C4022680 Eyelids stay open