Alternative to open eye taping re Bells Palsy'.

[Vindicatrix]

Hi All, I don't know if I am in the right community for this query, but I'll give it a try.

As I stated in an earlier Post, I had Bells Palsy' diagnosed nearly three weeks ago.

I dad the usual steroid treatment which has not worked so far. I was referred to an ENT specialist , who, because of my complex medical history, has arranged an MRI scan which I am having next Thursday.

In the interim, It has been, stressed to me that it is important to protect my left eye, which is continually open, by taping it shut at night. I have found that this is impossible to accomplish, due to my eye continually watering.

The advice regarding this issue seems to be at odds with each other. The salient factor is that the eye needs to be kept moist, and protected from contact with anything solid, or which might tear or damage the eyeball.

Eye patches, and sleeping masks are out seemingly, as there is a risk of contact with the open eye. A plastic type eye covering perhaps is the answer.

Does anyone have any views on this matter, either through experience, or other.

Thanks a lot, and best wishes to all. Ron.

[DRM18]

Hi V,

Heavy eye watering can be a symptom of dry eye, weirdly.

When I had Bell's, I put syrupy nighttime eyedrops (gels) in at night, wrapped a tight-ish headband around my eyes, then put an eyemask on on top.

Then again, my eye wasn't completely paralyzed: it still could blink, albeit weakly.

There are videos on YouTube about how to tape an eye shut, btw.

Best of luck to you,

--Dave

[Vindicatrix in reply to DRM18]

Thanks so much for that Dave, it was helpful, I might give your method a try, I have ordered some plastic type guards, which I will wear under the sleeping mask.

I trust you are back to some kind of normal.

All the best.

[DRM18 in reply to Vindicatrix]

Yeah, I’ve recovered, in about 3 weeks total. Any signs of recovery in you?

Btw, just prior to recovery, I had mad muscle twitches in my cheek and eyelid (under) and lip etc.

Also, in case you don’t know, use preservative-free eye drops; those can be used as much as you want, unlike regular eye drops, which have a limit per day

[DebKat999 in reply to DRM18]

I just wanted to echo what you wrote here about the muscle twitches prior to recovery. I've had Bell's twice in my life. I use to welcome all those twitches, because I learned that they are a positive sign that the nerve endings in your face are "waking up" again, so to speak, and in the process of healing.

[Vindicatrix in reply to DRM18]

thanks that's helpful, i will give it a try.

Ronnie