What is facial palsy?
Facial palsy occurs when the nerve supplying the muscles of the face, including the circular muscle around the eye, stops working properly. There can be many causes, but Bell’s Palsy is the commonest, accounting for nearly three quarters of all cases. Usually only one side of the face is affected and the condition is usually temporary, lasting around three weeks, although recovery may not be complete. The cause is unknown. People between the ages of 15 and 45 are most likely to be affected, but the condition is more common in those who are pregnant, have diabetes or are living with HIV infection.
People may notice that one side of the face droops and does not move properly. The eye may not close properly and as a result it can become red, uncomfortable and watery. The optometrist will examine the eye for signs of drying and for loss of feeling, which can sometimes occur.
How is facial palsy managed?
New cases are treated as emergencies and referred to the GP or the ophthalmologist (specialist eye doctor), as recovery is improved if steroid tablets are given within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. Longer-standing cases are managed by the optometrist and if necessary, referred routinely to the ophthalmologist.
The optometrist will usually prescribe artificial tears to use during the day and ointment at night. Taping the eyelids closed at night may help. Sunglasses will often relieve light sensitivity and physically protect the eye. Sometimes a contact lens may be fitted to protect the cornea (the clear window of the eye). This is typically a soft bandage contact lens, which acts like a protective barrier.
