title: Ocular protection in facial paralysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Facial nerve paralysis has a profound impact on patients' quality of life, of which one of the most important sequelae is a risk of corneal surface disease. Herein, we discuss methods to protect the eye following insult to the facial nerve.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Protection of the ocular surface in patients with facial nerve injury is of paramount importance to prevent corneal injury and potential blindness. Many interventions on the eye are temporary and therefore easily reversible. A systematic approach to managing the eye is required in these patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This article provides a review of current methods used for ocular protection in patients with facial nerve paralysis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Prabhat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bhama
authors.forename: Amit D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Bhrany
mesh_terms: D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life