Posters

Dry eye in facial nerve palsy: Quality of life! Quality of vision!

Poster Details

First Author: M.Smiri MOROCCO

Co Author(s): M. Atmani   R. Azahrai   M. Taous   S. Chariba   A. Maadane   R. Sekhsoukh     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To understand the ophthalmic clinical features and outcomes of facial nerve palsy patients. Management of the exposure keratopathy is paramount to prevent corneal breakdown, scarring, and permanent vision loss.

Setting:

The facial nerve is vital for person’s well-being functionally. Any dysfunction of the nerve can have serious functional and aesthetic consequences which leads to incomplete eyelid closure and reduced blink frequency and amplitude, which in turn results in excessive evaporation of the tear film and desiccation of the cornea.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review on 60 eyes from 30 facial nerve palsy patients in Between February 2019 and July 2019. The clinical signs, management, and prognosis were analyzed.

Results:

The mean time interval between diagnosis of Facial nerve palsy to initial ophthalmic evaluation was 1 year. The most common ocular symptoms were dryness (70%), irritation (10%), and tearing. 15% of patients had punctate epithelial erosions (PEE), of which 5% had corneal ulcers. The mean tear film break up time (TBUT) in the test were 4.8 seconds.

Conclusions:

Patients with facial nerve palsy may require multidisciplinary approach, ophthalmologists may provide a significant contribution by providing eye protection and esthetic improvement for the periorbital area. Early consultation of an ophthalmologist of these patients is crucial to an optimal outcome. Although the greatest risk of improperly treated ocular manifestations of facial nerve palsy is the development of permanent loss of vision due to corneal scarring or perforation, symptoms from exposure keratopathy, dry eye and constant epiphora can significantly impact the quality of life of facial palsy patients.

Financial Disclosure:

None