[The first experience in using the stabilized hyaluronic acid preparation to correct lagophthalmos]

The authors report the results of the first experience in using the stabilized hyaluronic acid preparation in patients with lagopthalmos in the presence of facial nerve palsy and thyroid eye disease and resultant keratopathy of varying degrees. The study included 21 patients, including 15 patients with facial nerve palsy and 6 with endocrine ophthalmopathy. The gel was injected externally to the levator aponeurosis and/or intramuscular, and/or under the pretarsal portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and/or subcutaneously. The use of this method led to a significant reduction of lagophthalmos and to a considerable corneal improvement. That of this procedure permitted avoidance of surgical intervention in some patients. The mean follow-up period after injection was 11.2 months (range 6-24 months).