Bell’s palsy, or a facial nerve palsy of unknown cause, leads to difficulty with the movement of one half of the face. It can cause the eyelid to function poorly and blink incompletely. This can result in dry eyes. The most common symptoms include irritation, redness, and blurry vision. Often the facial nerve is damaged as a result of trauma, surgery or cancer. This is not a Bell’s palsy but the clinical signs and symptoms are the same.
Patient concerns are sometimes cosmetic, but usually functional. Specifically, the inability to close the eye can cause sight-threatening damage from excessive drying of the cornea. There are many surgical procedures available to re-position the lids and brow while aiding in closure. The lower lid may need to be lifted and tightened. The eyebrow may need a lift as well. In some cases, the upper eyelid requires a weight to aid in closure or other measures to allow it to protect the cornea.
Dr. Vickers will work with you to help you find the best solution to your situation. As a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in oculoplastics, he is well-trained and well-experienced in surgical procedures involving the eyes. He will discuss surgical options in detail and provide a customized plan to help preserve vision and restore your appearance.