Eyelid reanimation for the treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos: historical perspectives and current applications of the gold weight implant.

Gold weight implants have been used for over 30 years in the setting of eyelid rehabilitation following facial nerve paralysis; however, there has been a renewed interest by ophthalmologists in this reanimation technique in recent years. This article reviews the history of gold weight eyelid implantation and presents the results of gold weight eyelid implantation over a 15-month period in 23 patients. A 92% success rate was obtained (average follow-up, 12 months). Surgical technique and indications are discussed along with postoperative complications.