Ophthalmic microsurgical procedure in which the pterygium advancing from the conjunctiva onto the cornea is excised and replaced with a graft from the patient's own conjunctival tissue.
Indication
- Pterygium approaching the visual axis or starting to cover the pupil
- Significant visual acuity reduction due to astigmatism
- Persistent redness, stinging, burning, and tearing complaints
- Recurrent inflammation episodes (recurrent pterygitis)
- Restriction of eye movements or double vision
- Regrowth of a previously excised pterygium (recurrence)
Preparation
- Complete eye examination, corneal topography, and ocular surface evaluation
- Confirmation of the absence of active eye infection
- Review of blood-thinning medications together with the physician
- Removal of makeup from the face and eye area before the procedure
- No contact lens wear on the day of surgery
How it's performed
- The patient is placed supine under the microscope
- The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops and subconjunctival anesthesia
- Pterygium tissue is carefully separated and removed from the corneal surface and the conjunctiva
- A thin graft taken from the patient's own healthy conjunctiva is placed onto the excised area (autograft)
- The graft is fixed with fine absorbable sutures or tissue adhesive
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are started
Post-procedure
- The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis; the patient is discharged the same day
- The eye may remain patched on the first day, then drop therapy is initiated
- Antibiotic and steroid drops are usually used for 4-8 weeks in tapering doses
- Follow-up examinations at the first week, 1st month, and 3rd month
- Use of UV-protective sunglasses when going out in the sun is recommended for the first few weeks
Risks
- Transient stinging, tearing, and foreign body sensation
- Regrowth of pterygium (recurrence)
- Conjunctival graft displacement or delayed healing
- Increased intraocular pressure due to steroid drops
- Rare ocular surface infection
FAQ
Does pterygium resolve on its own?
Pterygium is an established tissue growth; it does not completely disappear with medication. Drop therapy may reduce complaints, but the definitive solution for pterygium that advances toward the visual axis or causes significant discomfort is surgery.
What is the recurrence risk after surgery?
Compared to older techniques, the recurrence rate is significantly reduced with the conjunctival autograft technique. However, recurrence is not completely eliminated; particularly continued sun and dust exposure may increase the risk.
When will my eye recover after surgery?
Mild redness and stinging are usually seen in the first 1-2 weeks. Vision usually clears noticeably within 2-4 weeks; complete healing and the normal appearance of the white of the eye may take 2-3 months.
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