Eyelid Palpebral Springs in Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging: An Area of Possible Concern

Abstract

To the Editor. —Although most patients with seventh nerve palsies can be successfully treated with conservative therapy, some patients will require additional protection from exposure keratopathy. Placement of a palpebral spring in the affected upper eyelid is sometimes performed in these selected patients to provide needed functional and cosmetic improvement. 1,2 Acoustic neuroma resection is a frequent cause of the seventh nerve palsies seen in our referral center practice. These patients undergo periodic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to monitor for tumor recurrence. In light of this, we became concerned that placement of a stainless steel spring in the upper eyelid could potentially be dangerous in patients requiring periodic MRI scans, given the strong magnetic fields involved. A 0.3-mm stainless steel, round, orthodontic wire (Unitek Corp, Monrovia, Calif) is the currently preferred wire for these springs. 3 The wire is available as 302, 304, and 316 stainless steel. The composition