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Eye Issues
Index
Eye Issues for NF2
Eye care is especially important for people with NF2 since common issues include:
- Dry Eyes from Facial Nerve Damage
- Juvenile Cataracts
- Combined Hamartoma of Retina & Retinal Pigment Epithelium - Weak / Thin Retinas which cause Spontaneous Detachment
- Additional Ocular Abnormalities
Beta Carotene may be a Supplement to consider. It improve eye health as well as maintaining eye moisture. If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
Dry Eyes from Facial Nerve Damage
Facial nerve damage often leads to eye issues. Dry eye and an inability to control the movement of the upper and lower eye lid are usually the result.
Normally, each time we blink, a tear washes over our eyes. However, when the Facial Nerve is damaged, the eye lid control becomes weak or paralyzed. If the eye lid does not close fully, the necessary moisture we need is often lost.
If moisture is not added to the eye, a cracked cornea can result, which can damage the vision in the eye. Depending on the severity, regular eye drops may not help. A preservative free cream or gel will then be necessary. These options can help keep your eye moist for a much longer period of time. Some top choices by people in the NF2 community include:
- Refresh PM This Gel can be used both during the day or at night.
- Genteal Comes in Drops, Day Gel & Night Gel form.
- Systane Ultra Eye Drops Used both during the day and at night.
- Lacralube Helpful for night moisturizing, but not day. To much leaves a film on the eye that makes it harder to see.
Additional ways to manage dry eyes due to Facial Nerve Damage:
- Damp warm washcloth can also help eyes that are overly dry.
- Tape eye closed at night.
- Use of goggles in extreme dry situations.
- Eye weights can help the eye be not as wide open to help protect it and help hold moisture in. This can even out the appearance of eye to look more natural as well.
- Tear duct plugs can help hold in moisture. Consult your doctor who can also weld the ducts closed permanently if you benefit.
- A regular eye mask may also help keep lid closed and or prevent excess air from entering the eye at night.