[Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and modified bare sclera technique for treatment of pterygium].

Forty-six pterygia were surgically removed using a modified "bare sclera" technique. Additionally, an excimer laser PTK was performed using the immersion method to smooth the irregular surface of the cornea. Follow-up was 6 to 10 months. We found 24 recurrences. In patients with pterygia of more than 4 mm who were from southern Europe, the Middle East, or Africa, the recurrence rate was 100%. In pterygia from 2 to 4 mm the recurrence rate was 50%; in pterygia up to the limbus no recurrences were noted. The excimer laser has no positive influence on pterygia recurrences that have been removed using the modified "bare sclera" technique.