Comparison of limbal conjunctival autograft with conventional bare sclera technique in the prevention of recurrence of pterygium

Aim: To determine the efficacy of limbal conjunctival autograft as compared to conventional bare sclera technique in the prevention of recurrence of pterygium. Material and methods: The study was carried out at Ch. Rehmat Ali Memorial Trust Hospital Lahore from Aug 2008 to May 2011. All the patients with pterygia were randomly divided into two groups with fifteen patients in each group. One group was operated by conventional bare sclera technique while the other group received limbal conjunctival autograft following excision of pterygia. Results: Thirty patients were included in the study which were divided into two groups. Of these patients, 21 were males while 9 were females. The age range was 30–75 years with a mean age of 55.4±6.2 years. Patients were followed up for eight months post operatively. Out of the fifteen patients who underwent conventional bare sclera technique, six patients had recurrence of pterygium (40%) while in patients receiving limbal conjunctival autograft only one case reported with recurrence (6%). The recurrent cases were successfully managed by repeating limbal conjunctival autograft. Conclusion: Limbal stem cell transplantation is the better of the choices in preventing recurrence of pterygium as compared to other treatment modalities and thus can be safely recommended for pterygium surgery.