Recurrent pterygium treatment using mitomycin C, double amniotic membrane transplantation, and a large conjunctival flap.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgery for recurrent pterygia using mitomycin C (MMC), double amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), and a large conjunctival flap.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This retrospective case series included 31 eyes in 31 patients with recurrent pterygia. All patients underwent pterygium excision, application of MMC, double AMT, and placement of a large conjunctival flap. Outcome measures were visual acuity, astigmatism, and recurrence. Recurrence was defined as the presence of fibrovascular proliferative tissue crossing the limbus.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 68.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 3.6 years. The mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities (logMAR conversion) were 0.23 and 0.13, respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean preoperative (-3.85 D) and postoperative (-2.22 D) astigmatism. The recurrence rate was 3.2% (1/31 cases).

CONCLUSION

Surgical pterygium excision with application of MMC, double AMT, and placement of a large conjunctival flap was an effective treatment for recurrent pterygia.