rss
Br J Ophthalmol 1996;80:708-712 doi:10.1136/bjo.80.8.708
  • Research Article

Surgical repair of paralytic lagophthalmos by medial tarsal suspension of the lower lid.

  1. M Castroviejo-Bolibar,
  2. A de Damborenea and
  3. A Fernández-Vega
  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Conxo Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

      Abstract

      BACKGROUND: The seventh nerve palsy causes loss of function in the affected orbicularis oculi muscle. There is exposure and dessication of the corneal surface and obvious aesthetic changes in facial symmetry. METHOD: A surgical procedure has been used in 11 patients to substantially improve palpebral closure. The technique consists of a small upper lid tarsoconjunctival flap sutured into a nasal pretarsal pocket of the lower lid, achieving a medial tarsal suspension of the lower lid. RESULTS: This technique improves cosmesis, is reversible, and combinable with other procedures. The signs and symptoms of exposure keratitis are satisfactorily resolved. There have been no complications in an average follow up of 5 1/2 years after this surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: This technique could be considered an appropriate treatment for patients suffering temporary or permanent facial palsy.

      This Article

      1. Abstract
      2. PDF

      Responses

      1. Submit a response
      2. No responses published

      Register for free content

      The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

      Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.