A. Venkateswara Rao1, D. V. C. Nagasree2, Y. Suresh3
Pterygium excision by bare sclera technique was first described by Ombrain. However it is associated with recurrence rate of 9 to 75%. Conjunctival autografting is safe and cost effective method in preventing recurrence. In this study 100 cases of primary pterygium are evaluated. Mean age group was 47 years. 55% were male and 45% were females. Literature documents more incidence of pterygium in outdoor workers. This correlated with our study findings where in 66% of the patients were exposed to heat dust and sunlight while working outdoors. 89% had nasal pterygium. Most Patients (87%) had with the rule astigmatism. The average with the rule astigmatism was 2 diaptors preoperatively which decreased to 0. 67D postoperatively. In our study of 100 cases 50 underwent pterygium excision by bare sclera technique. Rest 50 underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting. All cases were followed up for 6 months. In the bare sclera technique 6 (12%) cases had recurrence and none in conjunctival autograft technique (p-value < 0.05). Two cases had sclera thinning following pterygium excision which resolved after tapering steroid dosage. 2 cases had graft edema and three had loose sutures. 4 cases had granuloma formation in the bare sclera group and one had corneal scarring.
