Argon laser therapy for primary type 1 pterygium management, a randomized control trial: Six months follow up.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Pterygium is a wing-shaped degenerative growth of the bulbar conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea. Its treatment can be medical, surgical, or a combination of both. Argon laser therapy has been reported as an initial treatment option. The effectiveness of argon laser use as a first-line treatment for primary T1 or grade 1 pterygium was evaluated in comparison with a control group.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, single-center trial. Subjects were divided into two groups using a randomized block design. Group 1 received argon laser treatment along the vessels of the head and body of the pterygium, and group 2 received placebo treatment. Symptoms of dry eye, signs of conjunctivitis, best corrected visual acuity, and pterygium size were evaluated at one week, one month, three months, and six months after treatment.

RESULTS

Thirty-two subjects were included. There was a statistically significant reduction in the length of the pterygium between the first and third month after laser treatment. All symptoms, except for itching, improved after the third month of argon laser treatment and continued to improve until the end of the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Argon laser therapy can be a safe and effective method for the treatment of T1 or grade 1 pterygium, significantly reducing the size of the pterygium and improving the signs and symptoms of the ocular surface.