Treatment of primary pterygium: Role of limbal stem cells and conjunctival autograft transplantation.

PURPOSE: The limbus and its stem cells are very important in the pathogenesis of pterygium. In this study, the efficacy of limbal stem cells and conjunctival autograft transplantation for the treatment of primary pterygium will be assessed.

DESIGN

Prospective noncomparative cohort study.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Forty-two eyes of 42 patients with grade I-III primary pterygium were included in the study. Pterygium excision was performed followed by superotemporal limbal stem cells and conjunctival autograft transplantation in all cases. Recurrence of pterygium and complications within a mean follow-up period of 18.26 months (10-28 months) was studied.

RESULTS

Recurrence of pterygium occurred in two eyes (2/42; 4.75%). No significant complications were noted. Apart from re-operation in the two recurrent cases, no further surgical interventions were needed in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

Limbal stem cells and conjunctival autograft transplantation is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of different grades of pterygium. It is very useful in preventing pterygium recurrence, which is a major problem in pterygium surgery.