Study of visual outcome and complications following conjunctival autograft transplant in management of primary pterygium

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.