ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Eye Issues => Topic started by: mindyandy on February 19, 2012, 04:21:25 pm

Title: Eyes not blinkiing together Question
Post by: mindyandy on February 19, 2012, 04:21:25 pm

I am just curious. Post op if your eye does not blink at the same time as the other is this facial paralisys? Has anybody had eye issues but no facial issues?

Thank you
Mindy

Title: Re: Eyes not blinkiing together Question
Post by: mk on February 19, 2012, 04:47:55 pm

Hi Mindy,

eye problems, such as absence of, or reduced tear production, sluggishness in closing the eye, incomplete eye closure, are frequently an indication of facial weakness - not paralysis, as paralysis means that there is no movement. These functions are controlled by the facial nerve, and it seems that even the slightest damage can cause these eye issues.
The only signs of facial weakness that I had immediately post-op were dry eye, and my eye did not close all the way (it left a very tiny opening). The latter problem resolved quickly, but the only lingering issue that I have to date is the dry eye - i.e. there is no tear production, and I can't cry from that eye. My neurosurgeon said that most likely "I will never cry properly", but that eye lubrication could be restored with time.

Marianna

Title: Re: Eyes not blinkiing together Question
Post by: mindyandy on February 19, 2012, 07:34:24 pm

Thanks Marianna. I think that i asked the wrong question. I am wondering if anybody had a slightly droopy eye lid pre surgery? I notice it but nobody else does. It blinks with the other eye and I have tears in the eye but the lid is just slightly different from the other. Strange. I've had it for awhile so I'm not sure.

Thanks
Mindy

Title: Re: Eyes not blinkiing together Question
Post by: mk on February 20, 2012, 01:54:50 pm

I am not sure about this, but before my surgery sometimes it seemed to me that the right (AN side) eye brow was at a slightly lower level than the other one. It might have been my idea, but I noticed this usually in the evenings and when I was tired. I never noticed this after surgery. Of course it is different from what you are saying, but I suppose both symptoms could be attributed to the facial nerve being affected.

Marianna

Title: Re: Eyes not blinkiing together Question
Post by: Lou on February 20, 2012, 03:16:57 pm

Hi
I have almost the exact same problem,one of my eyes now looks slightly smaller that the other and it looks like it has dropped slightly. It is more noticeable when I am stressed or tired. The funny thing is, it is on the side with the smaller neuroma

Lou