Introduction: Lagophthalmus in facial palsy must be treated in order to avoid ocular complications. The gold weight eyelid implant as an alternative to tarsorrhaphy has been studied with good results. Aim: The purpose of this report is to study the effects of the gold weight eyelid implants for treatment of lagophthalmus. Study design: clinical retrospective not randomized. Material and method: 59 patients with Lagophthalmus associated with facial paralysis of many causes underwent gold weight implantation and were studied retrospectively. Results: All patients achieved satisfactory eyelid closure and improvement of ocular symptoms. 8.5% of patients had implant extrusion and 5% had infection. The average time with the implant varied from 6 months to 6 years, being removed in 20.3% of patients with recover of facial palsy. Discussion: Many methods have been described for enhance corneal protection in patients with facial palsy with different degrees of success and acceptance by the patient. The gold weight eyelid loading is a simple easy technique with good cosmetic result. The average time with the implant is inconstant and the complications are rare. Conclusion: Gold weight eyelid implants in patients with facial palsy have good results for the treatment of lagophthalmus and prevention of ocular complications.
gold weight implant; lagophthalmus; facial palsy