[Implantation of lid weights for therapy of lagophthalmos].

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome and complication rate of rigid gold implants and flexible platinum chains in 96 patients treated for lagophthalmos.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We treated 50 patients with peripheral facial palsy and lagophthalmos using rigid gold implants and 46 using a flexible platinum chain. Besides subjective assessment by the patients, reduction of lagophthalmos, improvement of visual acuity, and pre- and postoperative grade of keratopathy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both groups showed a statistically significant reduction of lagophthalmos and keratopathy and increase of visual acuity. Postoperative complications were observed in both groups. Two extrusions occurred in the group receiving gold implants. The incidence of corneal astigmatism and bulging of the implant was statistically significantly lower in the platinum chain group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of flexible platinum chains instead of rigid gold implants for therapy of lagophthalmos leads to a reduction of the complication rate, thus improving the clinical outcome.