EC Ophthalmology

Purpose: To demonstrate the effectiveness and results of conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery.

Methods: 44 patients operated for pterygium surgery with conjunctival autograft with 18 months and less follow -up were registered. 20 of patients had bilateral primary pterygium. 11 of patients had recurrent pterygium. 13 of patients had primary unilateral pterygium. Graft margins were secured to the recipient site.

Results: The follow up period was 18 months and less. The median of age in the group was 42.6 years old. In 17 cases was performed using absorbable sutures (vicryl 10/0), in 15 patients was performed using 10/0 neilon (non- absorbable sutures) and in 12 patients 9.0 vicryl sutures. There were no significant differences between women and men with respect to recurrence. All the patients demonstrate no recurrence rate between primary and recurrent pterygium.

Conclusion: After 18 months follow-up period after autograft pterygium surgery the visual quality was improved in 25 patients and without changes in 19. Conjunctival autograft surgery appears to be an effective surgical technique in preventing pterygium recurrence and it can also help in improving the best corrected visual acuity.

Keywords: Pterygium Surgery; Conjunctival Autograft; Pterygium Recurrence

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