Periocular Reconstruction in Patients with Facial Paralysis

Abstract

Facial paralysis can result in serious ocular consequences. All patients with orbicularis oculi weakness in the setting of facial nerve injury should undergo a thorough ophthalmologic evaluation. The main goal of management in these patients is to protect the ocular surface and preserve visual function. Patients with expected recovery of facial nerve function may only require temporary and conservative measures to protect the ocular surface. Patients with prolonged or unlikely recovery of facial nerve function benefit from surgical rehabilitation of the periorbital complex. Current reconstructive procedures are most commonly intended to improve coverage of the eye but cannot restore blink.

Keywords: Ectropion; Exposure keratopathy; Eyelid retraction; Facial nerve; Facial paralysis; Paralytic lagophthalmos; Synkinesis.