Kelly

[Kelly52]

My mother suffered a brain stem stroke 2 months ago.  She has left-sided hemiparesis (she can move the arm and the leg but they are markedly weaker than the right side).  Her left pupil points downward, though she sees fairly well out of it.  Her right eyelid will not open much, though it does appear to blink along with the left eye.  The consulting neurologist in the hospital thought that patching the left eye might be helpful in bringing back her ability to open the right eye.  The opthomologist we consulted at the rehab center where she is currently living said patching would not be helpful, and that eyelid function would possibly return on its own.  The occupational therapist at the same center is adament that in her experience, eyelid function will not return unless the "good" eye is patched several hours a day.  We are looking for a neuro-opthamologist in her area (Detroit metro), but would be interested in your opinion.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

The eyelid function may not return to 100%.
There are a few solutions to it. You can discuss them with the eye surgeon. It usually take 6-8 weeks to see any improvement. '

Regards'

DrAbhijeetMD

[Kelly52]

Thank you very much for your prompt response.  In your experience, how likely is it that the eyelid muscle function will return? - Kelly

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

Patching up the good eye is done to "normalize the focus of vision", so that you see one object instead of two.  It will not help open the eyelid.

Regards

DrAbhijeetMD