Gold weight implants for management of thyroid-related upper eyelid retraction

To evaluate the use of gold weight implantation in the upper eyelid in the treatment of upper eyelid retraction caused by thyroid ophthalmopathy as regards the cosmetic and functional results and the safety of the procedure.

This is a surgical intervention case series study. The study was carried out in Ophthalmology Department in El-Minya University Hospital between January 2013 and January 2014. The study was approved by the ethical committee board of El-Minya University. Test weights were applied to the skin of the upper eyelid using special adhesive tape in the sitting position to determine the suitable implantable weight. Three interrupted nonabsorbable sutures (5/0 Dacron) were used to secure the gold weight to the tarsus. The orbicularis was closed using interrupted 6/0 vicryl sutures. The skin was closed using interrupted 6/0 nylon sutures.

As regards the postoperative results, by the end of the follow-up period, improvement of eyelid retraction was present in all cases. Normal upper eyelid margin position (covering 2 mm of the cornea) was attained in 10 eyelids (76.92%). Undercorrection was observed in 3 eyelids (23.07%). Two eyelids covered 1 mm of the cornea, and 1 eyelid rested at the upper limbus. All patients (100%) were satisfied as regards the cosmetic results, with the degree of satisfaction ranging between very good for 3 patients and excellent for 4 patients. One patient had bilateral brick-shaped appearance.

Gold weight implantation for treatment of thyroid-related upper eyelid retraction markedly improves the cosmetic appearance of the patient and, to a lesser extent, improves the manifestations of exposure with high patient satisfaction, and it is a relatively easy and safe procedure.