The Effects of Bell's Palsy on Your Eyes
| The Effects of Bell's Palsy on Your Eyes |
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| Date: October 13, 2006 | |
Bell's palsy is a condition in which one side of the face becomes paralyzed. It is usually temporary, and the majority of cases start to get better within three weeks. Bell's palsy was named after Sir Charles Bell, a 19th century doctor who first described the condition and linked it to a problem with the facial nerve. Bell's palsy accounts for about half of all cases of paralysis affecting the face. Medically, the condition is described as a facial paralysis that comes on suddenly and has no obvious cause (such as an injury). The condition is fairly common. Data shows that one in 60 or 70 people will be affected at some point in their lifetime. Most cases occur among people over 40, but it can affect all age groups, including children. Men and women are equally affected, although pregnancy increases the risk threefold. Over 80 percent of cases of Bell's palsy clear up without treatment in a matter of weeks. However, the condition can be distressing and many people affected are reluctant to socialize because of it. In less than one percent of all cases, the paralysis may affect both sides of the face at once. The exact causes of Bell's palsy are unknown. However, it is believed that viral infection of the facial nerve is commonly involved. One possible explanation is that herpes simplex - the virus responsible for cold sores - may lie dormant in the facial nerve, and then cause inflammation when it reactivates. Other viral illnesses such as mumps and rubella may also trigger Bell's palsy. Having diabetes seems to increase the risk, and the condition may also run in families. The symptoms of Bell's palsy are likely to come on very quickly - often in a matter of hours or overnight - and there may be some sudden pain around the ear. Symptoms can also start more gradually. The main symptom is likely to be paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, along with a sagging eyebrow and difficulty closing the eye. There are several other possible symptoms: numbness of the face, a dry mouth, difficulty in speaking, loss of taste in the front portion of the tongue, dryness or watering of the affected eye, a turned out lower eyelid, dribbling when drinking or after brushing teeth, ear pain (especially below the ear) and/or intolerance to loud noises on the affected side. Bell's palsy can last for just two to three weeks or much longer. In 85 percent of cases, however, there is improvement within three weeks. An early sign of improvement is a good indication that there will be a complete recovery. Getting back a sense of taste is often a first sign of recovery from the paralysis. The condition generally gets better by itself, without any treatment at all. However, it is fairly common to be given a course of steroids within the first 24 hours or so of the onset of the symptoms. Acyclovir, an antiviral medication, may also be prescribed. However, there is only limited evidence to show these treatments are effective. Bell's palsy can significantly affect your eye on the side of paralysis. It makes it difficult to impossible to voluntarily close the eyelid. The surface of your eye is a mucous membrane and must remain moist to function properly and feel normal. Chronic exposure to the elements from lack of blinking can result in significant inflammation, intense redness, pain , infection, decreased vision and permanent scarring if not treated promptly. It is important to see your optometrist as soon as you develop Bell's palsy. The primary goal of treatment is to help stop the surface of the eye from drying out and/or becoming infected or painful. Patients may have to use their finger to regularly close the eyelid to moisten the eye. More convenient safeguards include wearing protective goggles or an eye shield, patching the eye wearing a "bandage contact lens" to guard against debris and exposure. A bandage contact lens (you can sleep with this on)with copious lubrication and occasional antibiotic drops is one of the safest and most convenient methods. It is equally important to tape the eye shut while sleeping. About 10 percent of people who have an attack of Bell's palsy will unfortunately have another attack at a later time. Women may find they have another attack when they become pregnant. Usually, the second attack affects the opposite side of the face. Early diagnosis and prompt attention can help result in limited ocular discomfort and a more comfortable course. If you have questions concerning Bell's Palsy please contact our offices in Stillwater at 405-372-1715 or Pawnee at 918-762-2573. |
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