Evaluation of the effectiveness of post-operative beta-irradiation in the management of pterygium.

A retrospective review of cases of pterygium excision using the bare sclera method followed by application of 2500-3500 rads of Sr 90 beta-radiation carried out between 1994 and the year 2000 at Ojulowo Eye clinic Ibadan and St Mary's Catholic Specialist Eye Hospital Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. Follow up period was between six months and six years. A total of 124 eyes from 95 patients were operated. 58 (61.1%) were males and 37 (38.9%) were females. The youngest patient was 10 years old while the oldest was 89 years mean 46.1 +/- 2 STD of 13.5. Most pterygia were unilateral and nasal in location. Improvement in visual acuity of between 2-6 lines on snellen chart occurred in 6 (4.8%) of operated eyes. Recurrence necessitating repeat surgery and additional radiation occurred in 8 eyes (6.9%). The complications of surgery and beta radiation consisted of conjunctiva inflammation 10 (8.6%), cornea opacities 4 (3.2%), gritty sensation 3 (2.6), cataract 1 (0.8%). No case of sclera necroses was observed. Post-operative beta-radiation is safe and effective in preventing recurrence of pterygium.