Administration of topical
rebamipide improves the ocular surface in
dry eye. We consecutively studied seven eyes in seven cases (three males and four females) with mild
lagophthalmos (three cases after eyelid surgery, two cases of incomplete facial nerve
palsy, and two cases of senile
ectropion) during the treatment of corneal disorders with
rebamipide eye drops four times daily for 2 weeks. The
fluorescein corneal staining (FCS) score, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's test, and decimal visual acuity were examined. Ocular symptoms were examined and scored by questioning each patient before and after administration of the
drug. In all seven eyes, inferior corneal erosion decreased or disappeared within 2 weeks after administration of topical
rebamipide. The FCS score was significantly improved (P < 0.05). The TBUT was significantly extended from 2.9 ± 0.5 seconds to 5.2 ± 0.4 seconds (P < 0.05). The scores of ocular symptoms, such as
eye pain, dryness, blurred vision, and
foreign body sensations, were significantly improved (P < 0.05).Topical
rebamipide was effective for corneal disorders in mild
lagophthalmos. This
drug may provide a novel approach to treat
lagophthalmos.