An unpleasant result of most types of facial paralysis is the loss of the ability to close the eyelid. The inability to blink and close the eye puts the eye at great risk of injury or infection due to the fact that the eyelids keep the eyeball protected from foreign objects. Occasionally, normal eyelid function is restored in patients with facial palsy, but for those who do not recover movement, surgical placement of gold eyelid weights can be an effective option.
What are gold eyelid weights?
To prevent eye damage and restore the eyelid closing movement that has been impaired by facial paralysis, a small gold weight can be surgically implanted inside the upper eyelid. The gold eyelid weight is made to help the eyelid close using gravity and gravity alone. Gold eyelid weights are manufactured in different sizes and weights to ensure that each patient receives the ideal weight, just right for his or her particular case.
Causes of paralysis of the eye
Eye paralysis is often caused by damage to the seventh cranial nerve, also called the facial nerve. Causes of facial nerve palsy include Bell's palsy, serious bacterial infections, facial trauma, and tumor growths.
Bell's palsy.
This acute, unexplained facial paralysis usually appears suddenly, peaks within a few days, and resolves in many patients over several months. In some cases, however, this condition can cause permanent paralysis of the face and eyes. To solve this problem, placing gold weights on the eyelids has emerged as a potential solution to resolve eye paralysis.
Bacterial and viral infections.
There are numerous bacterial and viral infections that can irritate or damage the facial nerve. Thus they can cause paralysis of the eyes, including mastoiditis, otitis media, Lyme disease, enterovirus, polio, mumps and HIV. If a patient experiences unexplained facial or ocular paralysis, one of these bacterial or viral infections may be the underlying cause.
Facial trauma.
Car accidents, sports-related injuries, and traumatic injuries to the face or brain can damage the facial nerve, resulting in paralysis of the eye muscles. In some cases, patients with this condition may require the placement of gold eyelid weights to manage symptoms .
Tumors.
if there is a tumor anywhere in the skull area, it can cause facial paralysis. It is slow to notice, slow to manifest, over time, as opposed to the rapid onset of Bell's palsy.
Other conditions.
patients suffering from conditions such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome and complications of diabetes can also experience eyelid paralysis. Some people born with conditions such as Moebius syndrome may get eyelid paralysis from birth.
Once the eyelids stop closing all the way, many problems can occur because the cornea (the transparent, outermost layer of the eye) is constantly exposed to air. Dryness of the cornea can cause infections, swelling and redness of the eye. If left untreated, an eyelid that doesn't close can lead to corneal ulcers and serious vision problems.
There are several different surgical options to treat incomplete eye closure caused by facial paralysis. Gold eyelid weights are often considered one of the best options. The treatment option depends on the underlying etiology of each individual patient. The placement of gold weights is a proven effective way to restore eyelid closure in patients with facial palsy.
The process of implanting a gold weight begins with selecting the most appropriate weight for the patient's eye. The doctor temporarily attaches a gold weight of different sizes and weights to the patient's eyelid to find the one that makes the most natural eyelid closure. Although the weights are made of sturdy, heavy metal, they are lightweight and will not interfere with the eye or eyelid. Eyelid weights typically weigh between 0.6 and 2.0 grams, or about the same weight as a jelly bean. Once the correct weight is determined, proceed to placing the gold weight in the upper eyelid.
Which patients are suitable for gold weights in the eyelid?
Gold eyelid weights are safe and effective and have been proven to help patients with facial paralysis restore eyelid function. A good candidate for this particular treatment is a patient suffering from some form of facial paralysis that prevents the eyelids from closing naturally. Several other options are available, such as platinum weights and eyelid springs, and the best treatment option for a patient's particular case is determined by the doctor. The procedure is minimally invasive, natural-looking, and is an effective way to improve the function and appearance of the eyelids.
Many patients with facial palsy will regain full closure of their eyes within 3 months. For those in whom this does not occur, surgical implantation of a platinum eyelid weight can improve blinking and eye closure. They serve to protect the surface of the eye from damage and relieve symptoms of dry eye.
The weight that is placed in the eyelid is a type of implant. It is safe to use in MRI scans, which is important as patients with facial palsy may need imaging. This, of course, while their condition is being monitored. It is also unusual for the implant to irritate the patient's skin, making it a good choice for use on the delicate skin of the eyelids. There will be a slightly visible bump on the eyelid where the platinum weight is implanted. The goal is to place it in the contour of the upper eyelid where it will be as inconspicuous as possible.
How the eyelid weighting surgery is performed?
This procedure involves making a 1.5 cm incision in the crease of the upper eyelid and cutting the thin muscle of the upper eyelid to reveal the area where the platinum weight is fixed directly with sutures. The incision is then closed with sutures that dissolve for 7-10 days.
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means the patient can return home the same day. The patient can usually close their eye immediately after implantation, and function improves over time. Recovery after eyelid weighting is very quick. Bruising and swelling of the upper and lower eyelid are normal for about 7-14 days after surgery. Most people are able to resume normal daily activities within 1-2 days after surgery. Heavy physical activity (exercise, weight lifting) should be avoided for 2 weeks.
Advantages of gold eyelid weights
Benefits of the gold eyelid weighting procedure for patients with facial palsy include:
- Improved blinking.
- Improved eyelid closure.
- Improved protection for the surface of the eye.
- Relieve dry eye symptoms.
ZIC "Medical Karadži" can assist you in finding the right specialist for the placement of gold weights in the eyelid. Contact our coordinators for more information.
