Ophthalmic manifestations of facial nerve palsy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the ophthalmologic clinical features manifestations of facial nerve palsy patients.: In this observational study we have analyzed 50 eyes from 50 facial nerve palsy patients who were referred to our ophthalmic clinic. Ophthalmic drops, ointment were prescribed according to symptoms, taping was conducted in all eyes. 60% of the Bell’s palsy patients treated with prednisolone alone acyclovir-prednisolone (depending on the pathology) recovered within 5 months. An invasive procedure like temporary tarsorrhaphy was carried out in 5 patients permanent tarsorrhaphy in 3 patients. 2 patients underwent temporal bone decompression surgery. 3 patients developed corneal opacity with severe visual impairment despite surgical intervention, ophthalmic ointment, taping. Signs had improved in 75% of patients (lagophthalmos), 90% (corneal epithelium defect), 60% (epiphora). The ophthalmic clinical features of facial nerve palsy were mainly corneal lesion and eyelid malposition, and their clinical course improved after invasive procedures. The prognosis and ophthalmic signs were worse than in cases of simple facial palsy. Understanding these differences will help the ophthalmologist take care of patients with facial nerve palsy.