• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Atlantic Medical Eye Care

3 Hospital Plaza, Suite 310
Old Bridge, NJ · 08857
732·607·0555
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Atlantic Medical Eye Care
    • Dr. Scharfman
    • Testimonials
  • Eye Conditions
    • Cataracts
    • Glaucoma
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Eyes
  • Services
    • Cataract Surgery
    • Premium Lenses / IOLs
    • Glaucoma Surgery
    • Contact Lenses
    • Comprehensive Care
  • Blog
    • Latest Posts
    • Subscribe
  • Patient Portal
    • Login or Create Account
    • Patient Forms
    • COVID-19 Info
    • Free Cataract Guide
  • Contact Us
  • Directions

by  Dr. Robert Scharfman  Leave a Comment

Bell’s Palsy and How it Affects Your Eyes

Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes certain facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed. It occurs when the seventh cranial nerve becomes inflamed. Usually Bell’s Palsy affects only one side of the face.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

There are a number of signs and symptoms of Bell’s Palsy. These include:

  • facial numbness
  • weakness or paralysis
  • droopiness on one side of the face
  • drooling
  • face, head, or neck pain
  • loss of sense of taste
  • dry eye or excessive tearing in the affected eye

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s Palsy is most often caused by a virus. When the virus infects the body, it can cause the nerve that controls facial muscles to become swollen.

Most people with Bell’s Palsy improve within a few weeks, although it may take up to six months to recover.

Treating Bell’s Palsy

Treatments of Bell’s Palsy may include:

  • Corticosteroids
  • antiviral medications
  • pain relievers
  • physical therapy

Eye Complications Caused by Bell’s Palsy

Additionally, care must be taken to prevent discomfort and complications of dry eye. This might involve the use of lubricating drops, artificial tears, or ointments. The eye may need to be patched or taped shut during sleep.

If the eyelid droops so severely that it is turned outward (a condition known as ectropion), surgery may be necessary to correct it.

Other complications of Bell’s Palsy

Although uncommon, Bell’s Palsy can affect both sides of the face. If this occurs or any other part of the body becomes symptomatic, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other possible causes.

You might also like...

New Technology to Predict the Risk of Glaucoma Progression
What is a Chalazion? Mysterious Eye Condition Explained
7 Causes of Night Blindness (Poor Night Vision)
Fixing Cataracts and Glaucoma at the Same Time

Filed Under: Serious Eye Problems

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Premium Lenses

FREE GUIDE

FREE GUIDE: 34 Questions You Must Ask Before You Have Cataract Surgery


Your email is safe

Eye Care Services

  • Cataract Surgery
  • Premium Lenses / IOLs
  • Glaucoma Surgery
  • Contact Lenses
  • Comprehensive Eye Care
Top Doctor 2019 - NJ Top Docs

From our Blog

  • Making the Most out of Your Cataract Surgery
  • What is a Corneal Ulcer? Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
  • What is a Chalazion? Mysterious Eye Condition Explained

Footer

Hours

Mon
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location

3 Hospital Plaza, Suite 310
Old Bridge, NJ · 08857
732-607-0555

Directions »

Need Help?

Contact Us »

About  |  Eye Conditions  |  Services  |  Patient Info  |  Subscribe  |  Contact  |  Privacy | Disclaimer  |  Site Map
Copyright © 2023 Atlantic Medical Eye Care. All rights reserved.
Web design by Bri the Web Guy