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From the Research
Long-term Effects of External Eyelid Weights
The long-term effects of external eyelid weights, also known as prosthetic devices, have been studied in various research papers. The following points summarize the findings:
- External eyelid weights can help restore a functional blink mechanism and prevent corneal decompensation in patients with facial nerve palsy 1.
- Gold eyelid weights have been shown to be safe and effective in managing paralytic lagophthalmos, with a mean duration of retention of over 2 years 2.
- The use of external eyelid weights can decrease corneal exposure, reduce reliance on artificial tear drops, and increase patient comfort 3.
- External eyelid weights are a valuable adjunct in the treatment of facial palsy, but are under-utilized in clinical practice 4.
- Gold weight implantation can improve function, cosmetic appearance, and morbidity in patients with complete facial nerve palsy, with high patient satisfaction and no extrusions reported after at least 5 years of follow-up 5.
Complications and Limitations
Some complications and limitations of external eyelid weights have been reported, including:
- Cosmetic dissatisfaction, migration, partial extrusion, and ptosis resulting from too heavy a weight 2.
- Difficulty in positioning the weight, related to upper eyelid dermatochalasis 3.
- Loose upper eyelid skin may limit the usefulness of external eyelid weights in some patients 3.
Efficacy and Safety
The efficacy and safety of external eyelid weights have been demonstrated in several studies, with:
- High success rates in maintaining corneal integrity and improving ocular surface health 2, 4.
- Low complication rates, with most complications being minor and easily manageable 2, 3.
- High patient satisfaction with the use of external eyelid weights, particularly in terms of cosmetic appearance and functional improvement 2, 5.