[Implantation of lid weights for therapy of lagophthalmos]

Quality of Life in Patients with Unresolved Facial Nerve Palsy and Exposure Keratopathy Treated by Upper Eyelid Gold Weight Loading

Background

Loading of the upper eyelid with gold weights is a well-established procedure for the correction of paralytic lagophthalmos. There is no reliable research evaluating the results of this treatment from the patients’ viewpoint.

Aim

The aim of this research was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) domains through two standardized questionnaires (SF-36 and NEI-VFQ39) in patients treated by upper eyelid gold weight loading compared to healthy individuals (the “healthy” group) as well as patients with other ophthalmologic conditions (the “sick” group).

Patients and Methods

This prospective comparative clinical study of 416 surveys was conducted in 2012–2018. The study group includes 59 people: 40 women, 19 men aged 55.5 ± 17.4 treated with gold weights for corneal complications due to unresolved facial nerve palsy. General QOL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Eye-related QOL was assessed through the NEI-VFQ39 questionnaire. The results were compared with those obtained in 2 control groups: the “healthy” and the “sick,” 53 individuals each.

Results

A statistically significant increase in QOL domains was noted in patients with facial nerve palsy after treatment (p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in categories defining the Physical Component Score in these patients as compared to those from the “sick” control group (p = 0.95). After surgery, the results of the Mental Component Score were comparable to those in the “healthy” control group (p = 0.51). The eye-related health scores changed significantly after surgery and differed significantly compared to the “sick” control group (p <0.05); however, they did not reach the level of the “healthy” control group (p <0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with untreated facial nerve palsy had the lowest QOL levels among all individuals involved in this study. Treatment of lagophthalmos by gold weights significantly improved their QOL, with the greatest impact on mental aspects of health.

Determining Tarsus Curvature in Relation To Direction of Gaze Using Non-contact Ultrasound Video Assistance

PURPOSE

Plastic surgery on the eyelids for the purpose of aesthetic or functional correction requires precise knowledge of lid anatomy. Changes in the tarsal curvature of the upper eyelid relative to line of vision are important, particularly when a surgical correction of paralytic lagophthalmos is undertaken. We used a computer-based image-processing algorithm to establish a relationship between changes in the curvature of the tarsus relative to the line of vision.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A dynamic, ultrasound examination of the upper eyelids of 100 participants (100 eyes) was performed transpalpebrally using a 7.5 MHz scanner with the patient looking straight ahead, away from and towards the midline of the body. A computer-aided examination of the upper eyelid tarsus was then performed, followed by the calculation of the radius of curvature of the tarsus relative to the line of vision in each position.

RESULTS

Using regression of a Taylor polynomial, the shape of the tarsus was mapped by a quadratic function, and the change in tarsal curvature relative to line of sight could be demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

With objective evidence of change in the tarsal curvature relative to the line of sight, this may influence the treatment of pathological changes in the upper eyelid.

[Surgical treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos]

Impairment of the peripheral or central part of the facial nerve causes an ipsilateral peripheral facial nerve paresis. It is quite a common syndrome and affects 20-35 persons per 100,000 per year in Western Europe and the United States. A possible complication of facial palsy is paralytic lagophthalmos with aesthetic and functional impairment for the patient. Beside primary nerve reconstructive procedures plastic-reconstructive procedures play a major role in correcting paralytic lagophthalmos. The eyebrow, upper and lower lids, medial and lateral lid angle as well as the lacrimal system need to be seen as functional units and can be corrected with local surgical procedures. Restoration of eye closure is the most important goal in treating the affected eye. Due to the significant aesthetic limitations and resultant psychological stress for the patient cosmetic aspects must be included in the surgical concept.

Patient satisfaction after lid loading in facial palsy

Paralytic lagophthalmos is treated by pretarsal implantation of eyelid weights consisting either of rigid gold weights or flexible platinum chains. Functional results being good, subjective patient satisfaction has been examined only by a small number of studies. The aim of our study, conducted by means of a questionnaire, was to assess subjective patient satisfaction after implantation of different eyelid implants. Questionnaires were sent to 42 patients treated by pretarsal implantation of a gold weight (group 1) and 51 patients with a pretarsally fixed platinum chain (group 2). In total, 46 response sheets were evaluated (16 x gold weight, 30 x platinum chain) and the results were compared. In group 1, 75% of patients were very satisfied to satisfied with the overall result. In group 2, 100% of patients were very satisfied to satisfied with the overall result. In group 1, an infection occurred in 6.5% of patients, an extrusion in 6.5%, and a change of vision in 31%. In group 2, inflammation occurred in 13%, extrusion in 0%, and a change of vision occurred in 13% of patients. On a visual analogous scale from 1 to 10 (1, very good; 10, very poor), group 1 assessed the cosmetic result with an average grade of 3.8 and the functional result with an average grade of 3.1. Group 2 assessed the cosmetic result with the grade 2.9 and the functional result with grade 3.0. The implantation of an eyelid weight for treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos was assessed as positive by a majority of patients. When compared with conventional gold implants, patients who have been treated with a flexible platinum chain are overall more satisfied and have a more favorable subjective view of the cosmetic results.

Temporary ectropion therapy by adhesive taping: a case study

Introduction

Various surgical procedures are available to correct paralytic ectropion, which are applied in irreversible facial paresis. Problems occur when facial paresis has an unclear prognosis, since surgery of the lower eyelid is usually irreversible. We propose a simple method to correct temporary ectropion in facial palsy by applying an adhesive strip.

Patients and methods

Ten patients with peripheral facial paresis and paralytic ectropion were treated with an adhesive strip to correct paralytic ectropion. We used "Steri-Strips" (45 × 6.0 mm), which were taped on the carefully cleaned skin of the lower eyelid and of the adjacent zygomatic region until the prognosis of the paresis was clarified. In addition to the examiner's evaluation of the lower lacrimal point in the lacrimal lake, subjective improvement of the symptoms was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 1–10).

Results

9 patients reported a clear improvement of the symptoms after adhesive taping. There was a clear regression of tearing (VAS (median) = 8; 1 = no improvement, 10 = very good improvement), the cosmetic impairment of the adhesive tape was low (VAS (median) = 2.5; 1 = no impairment, 10 = severe impairment) and most of the patients found the use of the adhesive strip helpful. There was slight reddening of the skin in one case and well tolerated by the facial skin in the other cases.

Conclusion

The cause and location of facial nerve damage are decisive for the type of surgical therapy. In potentially reversible facial paresis, procedures should be used that are easily performed and above all reversible without complications. Until a reliable prognosis of the paresis can be made, adhesive taping is suited for the temporary treatment of paralytic ectropion. Adhesive taping is simple and can be performed by the patient.

Corneal Astigmatism With Upper Eyelid Gold Weight Implantation Using the Combined High Pretarsal and Levator Fixation Technique

PURPOSE

To evaluate corneal astigmatism with the combined high pretarsal and levator fixation gold weight implantation technique.

METHODS

Twenty-one eyelids of 21 patients with facial nerve palsy were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent upper eyelid gold weight implantation using the combined high pretarsal and levator fixation technique. Keratometry and automated refraction were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Five patients were excluded from final analysis because of incomplete keratometry data. The data were analyzed looking for statistically significant changes in lagophthalmos, automated refraction, and keratometry.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement in lagophthalmos with spontaneous blinking (p = 0.0014), and gentle (p = 0.0016) and forced (p = 0.0027) closure was noted postoperatively. No significant differences were found when comparing preoperative and postoperative automated refraction readings (p = 0.89, p = 0.88), automated refraction axis (p = 0.71), keratometry readings (p = 0.40, p = 0.77), or keratometry axis (p = 0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

Implantation of a gold weight in the upper eyelid with the combined high pretarsal and levator fixation technique does not appear to cause a significant change in corneal astigmatism. This is contrary to data for pretarsal gold weight implantation, which does induce significant with-the-rule corneal astigmatism.

[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.