gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: Pterygium, a frequently occurring ocular surface disorder affecting the conjunctiva, often returns after surgical removal. This study investigates the effectiveness of conjunctival autografts, mitomycin-C (MMC) application, as well as preventive measures in reducing the recurrence rate and improving the visual outcome of post-pterygium surgery.

Methods: This study was conducted on 175 patients with primary and recurrent pterygium residing in Pakistan who underwent surgery from November 2024 to March 2025 at the Mehboob Charity Vision International Eye and General Hospital. The participants were split into three groups: Control Group one (n=70) underwent bare sclera excision, Group two (n=66) received conjunctival autograft with fibrin glue or sutures, and the third group (n=39), had Mitomycin-C (0.02%) conjunctival autograft. Six months’ follow-up data after surgery were used to analyze postoperative recurrence rates, visual acuity improvement, corneal astigmatism reduction and complication rates.

Results: Findings indicate that the conjunctival autograft group had a notably lower recurrence rate (7.6%) (n=5) compared to those who underwent bare sclera group (31.4%) (n=22), Patients treated with MMC adjunct therapy experienced a lower recurrence rate (5.1%). Results showed considerable improvement of vision in 69% of the patients and a lower rate of corneal astigmatism in the autograft groups postoperatively.

Conclusion: Excision of Pterygium with conjunctival autograft and application of MMC proved highly effective in reducing recurrence rates and improving visual outcomes compared to bare sclera excision alone. These findings underscore the importance of recurrence prevention strategies to ensure optimal and long-term surgical results.