[Lidloading and intraocular pressure].

BACKGROUND

Implantation of rigid gold or platinum lid weights (lidloading) represents the most common method for therapy of patients with lagophthalmus as a result of facial palsy. In a more recent approach also flexible platinum chains have been used. Glaucoma has frequently been described as a contraindication for lidloading. The aim of this study was to proof if lid weights lead to an increase of the intraocular pressure (IOP).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

In a prospective study the IOP has been measured before and after implantation of 46 rigid gold implants and 39 flexible platinum chains in patients with paralytic lagophthalmos.

RESULTS

Neither the implantation of rigid gold implants nor the use of the flexible platinum chain lead to a statistically significant change of the IOP. There was also no difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

With this study we could demonstrate that glaucoma is not an absolute contraindication for the use of lid weights in patients with paralytic lagophthalmos. Moreover a lid weight is easily removable if complications should occur.