[Cornea protection in ptosis induced by botulinum injection]

Two patients, men aged 82 and 53 years, with weakness of the facial muscles after surgery in the posterior fossa had keratitis caused by the inability to blink and to close the eye. Botulinum toxin type A was injected into the levator palpebrae superioris muscle under electromyographic control. A selective, reversible paralysis of this muscle was induced without weakness of the anatomically related rectus superior muscle. This botulinum toxin-induced protective ptosis appeared to be effective and safe in the treatment and prevention of keratitis in patients with a temporary weakness of the facial muscles.