Eye closure but no blinking?

[Terri]

I am recovering (very slowly) from post-op facial paralysis on my AN side. I can now close my eye at night when I sleep, but I can't blink (my eye rolls upward) instead. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any idea what causes it?

I am wondering if the eye rolling (Bell's Phenomenon) is actually delaying the return of my blinking ability, since it helps protect the eye from damage. If so, I'm wondering if there are any exercises I can do to start training my eye to say in position and encourage the return of normal blinking.

[stein78]

I had that problem for a few weeks post-op.  I could close it but it would not blink, however I don't think my eye would roll back.  It went away by week 4 of recovery.

[wind6]

Terri, Try holding something that you have to look down at as if you were reading, focus on whatever you are holding and then try to blink. Its very slow going but stay with it and you are going to be blinking soon.   Sherry

[Terri]

Sherry: Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it, and it seems to be working! This is amazing. After two years, I can see (no pun intended) that I am going to be able to blink again. It's enough to make you want to cry. 

[wind6]

Thats great to hear Terri...so happy it works for you too.