Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Background: Pterygium is a common degenerative disease of the anterior segment of
the eye characterized by a wedge-shaped fibrovascular dysplasia of the bulbar
conjunctiva with a prevalence of 12%. Exact etiology is unknown; risk factors include,
long term exposure of ultraviolet B rays, dust, wind, chemicals and air pollution. To
minimize recurrence after the traditional bare sclera surgical technique, adjuvant
therapies and modifications to the surgical technique are being adopted.
Geographically, Vijayapura is located close to the equator with inherent risk of higher
ultraviolet radiation exposures. Of late there is an upsurge in the number of patients
with diagnosed with pterygium opting for surgical correction. Conjunctival autograft
transplant is promising modification of bare sclera technique is associated with
significant reduction in pterygium-induced astigmatism thereby improved visual
acuity, decreased postoperative complications and decreased recurrence rates.
