Bell's Palsy

Paralysis of the facial nerve which affects the ability to close the eyelids. Facial nerve paralysis has several causes but is referred to as bell's palsy only when there is no known cause. It is usually self limiting and tends to self resolve without treatment. It can lead to severe dry eye syndrome which is managed by the use of artifical tear drops and by taping the eyelids shut at night in order to protect the cornea.