When Can I Stop Taping my Eye Shut at Night with Bells Palsy?

Question

I have had Bells Palsy for about 3 months and I can now close my eye during the day and if I nap it stays closed. However, I am afraid not to tape it at night, because I am not sure if it will stay closed. When is it safe? Can I try it and will I wake up if the eye opens? Thank you. Denise

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

The effect and recover after Bell's palsy is very variable. Sometimes, there is full recovery while at other times there may be little recovery. It may be safe now for you to stop taping your eyelids at night but first see an ophthalmologist or oculoplastic specialist before proceeding.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

How is the overall recovery of your face? If you had complete or near complete paralysis of your face and now you have almost complete recovery, then it would be safe to sleep without taping your eye closed at this time. If you begin to have dry eye or sensitive eyes, then you would need to continue to lubricate your eye at night. If you still have significant paralysis, then I would see a doctor to examine your eye and give you a recommendation.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

I do not recommend "taping" the eyes at night as the lid may come open and the cornea will be in direct contact with the tape or the guaze and cause corneal abrasion. I would recommend protecting the eye with a humidified chamber over the eyes to keep the eyes moist and protected from trauma. I strongly recommend that you be followed closely by an opthalmologist to perform regular cormeal exams and determine your recovery from the neurologic deficit. Also for your information, "Bells Palsy" is a diagnosis of exclusion and it is only applicable when all other potential causes of the neurologic deficit have been ruled out.

When Can I Stop Taping my Eye Shut at Night with Bells Palsy?

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