[Complications after lid loading. Is the platinum chain really effective?]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oculoplastics
• Surgical Innovation

Context:

• Lagophthalmos, a condition of incomplete eyelid closure, poses significant risks to ocular health.
• Current surgical treatments for lagophthalmos include lid loading with implants.
• A flexible platinum chain implant has emerged as an alternative to rigid gold implants.

Purpose:

• To compare the complication rates between rigid gold implants and flexible platinum chains for treating paralytic lagophthalmos.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of platinum chain implants versus gold implants.

Summary:

• A survey of 212 flexible platinum chain implantations was compared with a meta-analysis of rigid gold implant data.
• The platinum chain group demonstrated significantly lower rates of postoperative astigmatism, bulging, and infections.
• While extrusion rates were similar, overall complications were substantially lower with platinum chains (12.8%) versus gold implants (45.1%).

Impact:

• Flexible platinum chains offer a safer and more effective surgical option for lagophthalmos.
• Reduced complication rates with platinum chains can improve patient outcomes and treatment success.
• This study provides valuable data for surgeons considering implant choices in lagophthalmos repair.