Arlington Heights, IL

(847) 368-9999

Barrington, IL

(224) 407-2020

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS: (847) 368-9999 |

BARRINGTON: (224) 407-2020 

Bell's Palsy

bell's palsy

If you suffer from Bell's palsy, a paralysis of one side of the face caused by nerve inflammation, you may lose control over your eyelids. This eyelid paralysis can create problems for the sensitive cornea that protects the eye's lens and helps focus light waves into clear images. Fortunately, an experienced eye care professional can recommend measures to soothe and protect the afflicted eye.

Understanding Bell's Palsy

What causes this form of paralysis, which strikes so suddenly that many sufferers think they've had a stroke? While doctors are not entirely certain, it would appear that the herpes or shingles virus can produce a bout of Bell's palsy, along with viral meningitis or a facial injury.

Bell’s palsy occurs when the seventh cranial nerve, which relays motor commands and sensation to one side of the face, becomes impinged or inflamed. The pressure on the nerve stops the flow of information, causing severe weakness or total paralysis to the muscles on that side of the face -- including the muscles that control the upper and lower eyelids. As a result, you may experience an outward drooping of the lower lid, while the upper lid may refuse to close without assistance.

While the nerve paralysis that causes Bell's palsy may have no direct effect on your vision, it can cause serious eye issues indirectly. The inability to shut your eye, not even while sleeping, causes the cornea to dry out and develop dry eye syndrome. This is not unlike the dryness that occurs in computer users who forget to blink regularly. Lengthy periods of dehydration can lead to a painful condition called exposure keratitis.

Saving Your Eye from Pain and Irritation

Various medical treatments, including steroids and anti-viral drugs, can help you rebound from Bell's palsy to regain total or near-total muscle control. In the meantime, however, you must take steps to protect your affected eye from dehydration. Hourly use of artificial tears, which are easily obtained over the counter, can help soothe and protect the cornea during the daytime. Your eye care professional may recommend you apply tape or a patch to keep the eyelid shut at night. In some cases, a special external weight may be prescribed. Ask your eye care professional to advise you on keeping your eye safe and healthy.

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Arlington Heights - Arlington Town Square

Monday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Available by appointment only

Tuesday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Available by appointment only

Thursday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Barrington - Barrington Village Center

Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Available by appointment only

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Available by appointment only

Friday

Closed

Saturday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Arlington Heights - Arlington Town Square

Monday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Available by appointment only
Tuesday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Available by appointment only
Thursday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

Barrington - Barrington Village Center

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Available by appointment only
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Available by appointment only
Friday
Closed
Saturday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

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