Bell's Palsy

bell's palsy

If you suffer from Bell's palsy, a paralysis of one side of the face caused by nerve inflammation, you may lose control over your eyelids. This eyelid paralysis can create problems for the sensitive cornea that protects the eye's lens and helps focus light waves into clear images. Fortunately, an experienced eye care professional can recommend measures to soothe and protect the afflicted eye.

Understanding Bell's Palsy

What causes this form of paralysis, which strikes so suddenly that many sufferers think they've had a stroke? While doctors are not entirely certain, it would appear that the herpes or shingles virus can produce a bout of Bell's palsy, along with viral meningitis or a facial injury.

Bell’s palsy occurs when the seventh cranial nerve, which relays motor commands and sensation to one side of the face, becomes impinged or inflamed. The pressure on the nerve stops the flow of information, causing severe weakness or total paralysis to the muscles on that side of the face -- including the muscles that control the upper and lower eyelids. As a result, you may experience an outward drooping of the lower lid, while the upper lid may refuse to close without assistance.

While the nerve paralysis that causes Bell's palsy may have no direct effect on your vision, it can cause serious eye issues indirectly. The inability to shut your eye, not even while sleeping, causes the cornea to dry out and develop dry eye syndrome. This is not unlike the dryness that occurs in computer users who forget to blink regularly. Lengthy periods of dehydration can lead to a painful condition called exposure keratitis.

Saving Your Eye from Pain and Irritation

Various medical treatments, including steroids and anti-viral drugs, can help you rebound from Bell's palsy to regain total or near-total muscle control. In the meantime, however, you must take steps to protect your affected eye from dehydration. Hourly use of artificial tears, which are easily obtained over the counter, can help soothe and protect the cornea during the daytime. Your eye care professional may recommend you apply tape or a patch to keep the eyelid shut at night. In some cases, a special external weight may be prescribed. Ask your eye care professional to advise you on keeping your eye safe and healthy.

Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am

5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Dr. Woodmansee did a great job examining my eyes! Explained everything about my eye health along with how the eyes age and preventative measure that can be taken to keep the eyes healthy. I was even given a little history about the color of my eyes! Very easy to talk to and very easy to understand! I would highly recommend Dr. Woodmansee to everyone needing an eye exam!"
    Chip S.
  • "Was a very fun time.and he was straight foward.and explained everything and explained what options were better and so one .be my eye doctor from now on.and next door got glass for a good deal.and was the same day in about 20 min .wow.thanks again"
    Mike S.
  • "I saw Dr. Woodmansee yesterday afternoon. Best eye exam I have ever had! I can see!!! He will be my eye Dr. from now on!!"
    Lois K.