Static management of lagophthalmos following facial nerve paralysis using standardized weights.
OBJECTIVE
Peripheral facial nerve paralysis is accompanied by inability to properly close the eye and protect the cornea. The implantation of a standardized upper eyelid gold weight implant allows gravitational pull on the relaxed eye.


METHODS
Custom-made gold implants were surgically implanted pre-tarsally in the upper eyelids of 37 patients with facial nerve paralysis.


RESULTS
Excellent results were achieved in 36 patients. Repeated extrusion occurred in one case.


CONCLUSIONS
This is a simple, reliable and especially reversible surgical procedure for the rehabilitation of the paralyzed eye.
El Shazly
M
M
Kasr El Aini School of Medecine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. drmelshazly@yahoo.com
Guindi
S
S
D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants