Lagophthalmos refers to the condition in which the eyelid does not close completely. Sometimes this can occur with swelling after eyelid surgery and when too much skin is removed from the upper eyelid. Patients with this condition will often complain of dry eye. When this occurs after surgery, it is often a transient condition that can be treated with eye drops, ointments, and/or taping of the lids at night to keep them shut until the swelling diminishes.