Facial Nerve Palsy

Bells Palsy is the commonest cause of 7th nerve dysfunction. Acute Facial nerve palsy can lead to incomplete closure of eyes causing exposure of cornea and thus lead to dryness and infection (exposure keratitis). Tarsorrhaphy is performed at this stage to protect the eyes. Long standing Facial Nerve palsy can result in lower lid ectropion, lagopthalmos and brow ptosis which apart from being a cosmetic blemish can result in constant epiphora which is quite disturbing for the patient. Gold weight implants along with ectropion surgery gives satisfactory results.