New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS): Sudden weakness of one side of face, difficulty in closing one of the eyelids can be Bell's Palsy, a type of facial paralysis that results in an inability to control the facial muscles on the affected side, said doctors.

According to them, 80 per cent of patients recover within 6 months, if treated properly and on time.

"Proper care of eye during this period is of utmost importance to prevent permanent consequences such as corneal ulceration and scarring leading to loss of vision," said Anurag Wahi, ophthalmologist at Sharp Sight Group of Eye Hospital.

Bell's palsy is a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in one side of the face, and is most common cause of facial paralysis.

Noting there are several symptoms that people ignore but later discover to be Bell's Palsy, Wahi said that these can also include irritation in the eyes due to dryness or drooping of part of the face.

"Difficulty in facial expression, alteration in sense of taste and pain in front or behind the ear in some cases are also symptoms that gives indications that it might be Bell's Palsy," said ophthalmologist Samir Sud.

"The most common effect of Bell's palsy on eye is that tje patient is unable to blink on the affected side and close the eyelids completely. Sometimes lower eyelid may turn outwards," he said.