Treatment:

Some people get better without treatment. Treating the cause (if it can be found) may relieve the symptoms in many cases.

Treatment may include:

• Corticosteroid medications to reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the nerve
• Eye patch or glasses with prisms to reduce double vision
• Pain medications
• Surgery to treat eyelid drooping or eyes that are not aligned

Expectations (prognosis):

Some cranial nerve dysfunctions will respond to treatment. A few cases result in some permanent loss of function.

Causes such as brain swelling due to a tumor or stroke or a brain aneurysm may be life-threatening.

Complications:

• Permanent eyelid drooping
• Permanent vision changes

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have double vision and it doesn't go away in a few minutes, especially if you also have eyelid drooping.