Common Eye Disease

No matter how much care you take of your eyes, you will from time to time encounter some kind of eye problems. While some of these problems cause very little harm to the eyes, some may lead to permanent blindness. It is always advisable to consult the doctor.

Bells Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a condition in which one side of the face suffers nerve damage, causing severe weakening or paralysis of facial muscles. This immobilization causes a droop on the affected side of the face.

 

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

The cause of Bell’s palsy is unclear, it is believed to be caused by viral infection but has also been linked to Lyme disease, diabetes, sarcoidosis, flu-like illnesses, infections and trauma to the face or skull.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is classically characterized by sudden stiffness of the face on one side. This may come on over the course of a few days, but most often, it appears very suddenly. In addition to tension and inability to control one side of the face, common symptoms of Bell’s palsy may include:

  • Numbness on one side of the face
  • Twitching of facial muscles
  • Dryness of mouth and eye
  • Excessive tears in one eye
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty eating and drinking
  • Pain around jaw
  • Pain behind ear
  • Headaches
Treatment for Bell’s Palsy

Most often, Bell’s palsy improves without treatment within weeks, or sometimes months. However, if the affected side of the face prohibits the person from closing the eye, medication (steroids) may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling which may help the patient close the eye. Your eye care professional may also recommend artificial tears, ointments and gels to keep the affected eye moist, or an eye patch (with lubricating eye drops or an ointment) to keep the affected eye moist and covered overnight.

Hours of Operation

MON – SAT
8:00am – 12:00 noon (By Appointment)
4:00pm – 8:00pm (Walk-In)

SUN
We are closed

Stallard Eye Clinic

Drop Us a Line

Don't be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!

Common Eye Problems