Purpose: We describe the efficacy of lateral transorbital canthopexy using a silicone tube in managing severe paralytic ectropion.
Methods: Patients with paralytic ectropion involving at least two-third of lower eyelid length and scleral exposure of 3 mm or more were considered. A silicone prosthetic was inserted during canthopexy.
Results: Lateral transorbital canthopexy using a silicone tube was performed on 10 eyelids in nine patients. All patients had corneal surface abnormalities. Scleral exposure resolved completely in three cases. At 8-month follow-up, residual scleral exposure of 1 mm and 2 mm persisted in n = 6 and n = 1 cases, respectively.
Conclusions: Lateral transorbital canthopexy using a silicone tube is an effective therapeutic option for paralytic ectropion, facilitating both functional and cosmetic results that proved durable over time.
Keywords: Ectropion; canthopexy; facial paralysis; paralytic ectropion; silicone tube.