Lagophthalmos is Causing Painful Dry Eyes. Doctor Wants to Do Gold Implant.

Problem: I am suffering from painful dry eyes due to Lagophthalmos. My oculoplastic surgeon recommends a gold implant placed in the upper eyelid of each eye. Symptoms: - Pain in both eyes, right eye hurt me most - Unable to 100% close eyes unless I try hard - Also have droopy right upper eyelid - Unable to wink with right eye, however can wink with left Treatments: Lubricating ointment & eye drops before bed and 6+ times per day What alternative options exist? Thank you, I need help

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Tankie in Victoria, BC

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (0)

Gold Weight Implant for Lagophthalmos

Lagophthalmos is a not too uncommon medical condition of the upper eyelids. Common causes include post surgical, as well as other neurologic conditions. The eyelids are extremely important to protect the eyes, keep them moist and prevent irritation. With lagophthalmos this protective mechanism is compromised. Treatment options include artificial tears and lubricating ointments. Gold weight implant is an excellent option to help protect the eye by providing... more

Much depends on why you have lagophthalmos.

There is absolutely no substitute for a personal consultation. So this will address this issue generally. Gold weights are primarily used when lagophthalmos is caused by a peripheral facial nerve injury such as a brain stem tumor, bells palsy or stroke. Gold weights are unsightly because of their bulk. So in aesthetic situations, other solutions are sought. If your lagophthalmos is the result of prior cosmetic eyelid surgery, other approaches are typically tried... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Lagophthalmos

There are many cuases of lag. It can be paralytic in nature from a facial nerve injury and it could be from over-resection of tissue during eye surgery. They are usually treated differently. A full exam is key.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Lagophthalmos (unable to close eyes)

The question why you have lagophthalmos. Did you prior surgery? They are various surgical and nonsurgical options to treat lagophthalmos. Gold weight is one. Another is to inject (reversible) restylane into upper lid to act as gold weight. If the problem is lower eyelid, then lower eyelid surgery might be needed. If you had recent surgery and the muscle is weak, then the lagophthalmos might resolve after the muscle recovers. Recommend discussing... more

Seek another opinion

Tankie, Gold weights are usually reserved for patients with injury to the facial nerve, which closes the eyelids. This would be an unusual solution to lagophthalmos due to cosmetic surgery. I recommend you seek a consultation with a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Eric Cole MD is located in Sequim and is well qualified to give you a second opinion.