[Restoration of lid function in peripheral facial palsy by implanting gold weights].

BACKGROUND

Lagophthalmos is a common functional and aesthetic problem in patients with facial palsy. The implantation of a rigid gold weight is one technique to improve eyelid closure. The effectiveness of lid loading was investigated, taking into consideration complications ascribed to rigid implants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present 11 patients with facial palsy treated with that technique between April 2001 and October 2005. Before and after operation ophthalmological investigations were performed. The patients were questioned about their subjective satisfaction, and the remaining eye lid gap in the closed state was assessed.

RESULTS

A good up to perfect lid closure could be achieved. Of the 11 patients, 9 reported being very contented with the result. Except for one case of extrusion, disturbed healing processes did not occur. We did not observe any occurrence of astigmatism as a result of the rigid lid load. All patients reduced their use of eye ointment and eye covers. We observed a visible bulging of the implant contour in 4 of 11 patients. However, not one of them felt discontented. All patients stated that they would undergo the lid loading procedure again.

CONCLUSIONS

The implantation of rigid gold weights for lid loading in patients suffering from lagophthalmos due to peripheral facial palsy is considered a simple and effective treatment for improving eyelid closure. Whether or not flexible implants will lead to better results needs to be further investigated.