A study of recurrence of pterygium; following pterygium excision with conjunctival autograf

Abstract

Aim: To study the recurrence rate after pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft for a period of 18 months. After surgery, patients will be followed up monthly for a period of 6 months to look for recurrence of pterygium. Material and Methods: It is a prospective study conducted at Department of Ophthalmology in Out Patient Department of Mediciti Medical College Hospital, for a period of 18 months from November 2011 to June 2013 .Total 50 patients were operated of which 3 were recurrent pterygium. All patients were in age group 30 to 60 and above. Results: Highest prevalence of pterygium was seen in age group of 40-49 years 16 eyes (32%),.Their is high incidence in outdoor patients i.e., 80%, indoor 20%. All the pterygium were nasally located with mean corneal encroachment of 3x3 mm. Right eye 56%, left eye 44%. During the follow-up period of this study, progressive pterygium recurred in 3 patients. The average duration of recurrence was 5.3months. The mean age of the patients with recurrence was 43.3 years. Conclusion: Autogenous conjunctival grafting is a safe, uncomplicated, quick procedure with low recurrence rate. It is with fewer and no sight threatening complications, Offers anatomical and physiological restoration of ocular surface , Simple procedure not requiring additional surgical skill or Instrumentation, Cost effective and does not require any special post operative care.