Center for Facial Paralysis Surgery & Functional Restoration

Restoring Eye Closure

Protection of the eye and preservation of vision is one of the most important objectives in the treatment of facial paralysis. Loss or impairment of eye closure and the blink reflex can result in dry, irritated, uncomfortable eyes.

If the ability to close ones eye does not return then a more permanent solution is required. Eye closure and blink can be re-established utilizing an implantable gold weight in the upper eyelid. Fortunately the ability to open the eye is not controlled by the facial nerve and usually remains unaffected by most causes of facial paralysis.

The functioning eyelid elevation mechanism opens the eye allowing the implanted weight to close the eye passively utilizing the force of gravity. This combination of active opening and gravitational closure can be very effective in simulating normal eyelid function.

Learn about the facial paralysis doctor, Michael Klebuc, M.D.