Lower eyelid support for Facial Paralysis

Blink impairment in facial palsy yields ocular irritation and may progress to corneal vision loss. In many cases of facial palsy, the lower eyelid sits too low.  In cases where natural recovery is expected, watchful waiting with conservative measures including frequent preservative free artificial tears during the daytime, humidity chambers, and placement of ophthalmic lubricating gel and taping of the eyelid closed overnight often suffice.

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Definitive static repositioning of the paralyzed lower eyelid is typically employed where reanimation of native blink muscle is not feasible. Lower eyelid suspension is one such technique that has proven reliable for correction of lower eyelid retraction. 

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The technique may be performed in office using local anesthesia. Palmaris longus tendon autografts are favored for use in suspension.