[Paralytic ectropion correction with porous polyethylene spacer by subciliar external approach].

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of porous polyethylene spacer in paralytic ectropion.

Methods: Nine eyes of 8 patients (5 male and 3 female, medium age 55.6 S.D. 11.2 years) with paralytic ectropion were operated. All of them presented a scleral show of more than 3 mm, exposure queratopathy and epiphora grade III-IV in Munk scale. A tarsal strip procedure, internal cathoplasty and porous polyethylene spacer sutured to the inferior border of the tarsal plate and over the palpebral retractors by subciliar external approach were performed.

Results: The mean followup time was 9.8 S.D. 4.3 months. The scleral show, exposure queratopathy and epiphora improved in all patients. There were two extrusions of the synthetic material, with removal of the implant in one of them. In these two cases a long lasting facial palsy with miocutaneous atrophy was the cause of the ectropion.

Conclusions: Porous polyethylene speacer is a good alternative for paralytic ectropion treatment. This technique decreases the risk of infectious disease transmission as in homologous grafts and the need of a second surgical procedure as in autologous grafts.