Poor eye care can result in dryness of the eye and can quickly escalate to:
– Irritation
– Redness
– Infection
– Cornea scarring
– Long term eye damage
You need to have a day and night routine.
Chemist Shopping List:
– Eye drops- preservative free such as Hylo Forte
– Eye Lubricant/gel- preservative free,
– Micropore or silicone tape.
Day Time Routine:
– Eye drops regularly in the initial weeks following your facial palsy will be beneficial at ensuring your eye does not become dry. Once your eye begins the improve use the eye drops as required.
– Sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes from wind and sunshine.
– If using a screen remember every half hour to look away/ look out the window for 2 minutes. Use your eye drops regularly as we do not blink as often during screen time.
– Air-conditioned environments can also dry out your eye so always have your eye drops close by.
– Sometimes, a humidifier in your room can help replenish moisture to a very dry environment.
Nighttime protocol:
– Eye gel/ taping/ moisture chamber/eye patch.
– Taping: you can purchase some micropore (M3) or silicone tape (Nexcare or equivalent brand) from your local chemist. There are videos online of how to tape your eye; try the one on FacialPalsyUK available at How to Tape Your Eye Closed (Adults) Facial Palsy UK
– Please apply your lubricating gel before taping your eye.
– Every individual is different if you are finding your eye or the skin around your eye isn’t tolerating taping there are other options such as moisture chambers and clear patches.
Please see your facial nerve specialist or facial physiotherapist for facial taping techniques. These often need to be individualised based on a patients individual needs/face shape/skin type.