[The first experience with gold eyelid implants in facial nerve palsies]

The authors in a clinical study refer about their first experience of gold eyelid implants application in lagophthalmos treatment in facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) palsies. The implant, thanks its weight and the gravitation, facilitates to the patients to close their interpalpebral fissure. The implants are implanted in to the subcutis of the upper eyelid and are sutured to the anterior surface of the tarsal plate. The aim of the surgery is to lower the risk of the damage of the eye due to the exposure keratopathy and to allow the patients to control better the eyelid function. The gold as a material is well tolerated by the human body. The shape of the implant and the way of application ensure good functional results. Altogether 5 adult patients were operated on at the Department of Ophthalmology. The House-Brackmann score was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgery, or the stage of the closing of the interpalpebral fissure before and after the surgery. This score evaluates the palpebral sphincter function according the grade of involvement. The selection of the implants, their indication and surgery procedure are discussed.