Corticosteroids may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the facial nerve for some persons. Lubricating eye drops or eye ointments may be recommended to protect the eye if it cannot be closed completely. The eye may need to be patched during sleep to protect it. Surgical procedures to decompress the facial nerve have not been shown to routinely benefit people with Bell's palsy. The outcome varies.
Some cases result in permanent changes.
The disorder is not a threat to life. Drooping of the eyelid is called ptosis.