Bell's Palsy and Prism Glasses

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
I have double vision. I can see clearly with the right or with the left eye, but not with both eyes together. It has been almost five months since I had a form of Bell's Palsy. Would prism glasses (like the ones Hillary Clinton wore following her concussion) help me to see?        
      
Answer:
A Bell's palsy affects the seventh cranial nerve. This is the facial nerve that innervates the muscles of movement of the face. You may have a third, fourth or sixth nerve palsy which is weakening the movement of the extraocular muscles of the eye. In this case, the eyes do not move together leading to double vision. Prisms may help to align your eyes in primary gaze. An examination with your Eye M.D. ophthalmologist would determine if you are a candidate for prisms.

Answered by: Rona Silkiss, MD 

Categories: Eye Diseases

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