Restoration of lid function in facial palsy with permanent magnets
A method is presented to restore dynamic eyelid function in facial palsy with the implantation of 2 permanent magnets near the upper and lower eyelid margin. The attractive force characteristics of the double magnet system closely simulate the action of the paralyzed orbicularis sphincter. Normal lid opening is accomplished by the intact levators. The width and contour of the palpebral fissure remains undisturbed and is comparable to that of the normal side. The magnetic material used is characterized by a high energy product and coercivity permitting a tiny volume, weight, and size. The siliconized magnets are well tolerated. Near-normal lid function was restored in 10 patients with complete facial palsy, preventing or reversing all symptoms of the paralytic lagophthalmos. This new procedure is advocated as a temporary means to bridge the critical period of time between onset of paralysis and eventual active reinnervation. If long-term observations confirm the good early results it may well serve as a permanent solution for the problem of paralytic lagophthalmos in irreversible facial paralysis. The same principle has been applied successfully to upper lid ptosis.
