Current concepts and techniques in pterygium treatment

• Published in: Current opinion in ophthalmology Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 308 - 313
• Main Authors: Ang, Leonard PK, Chua, Jocelyn LL, Tan, Donald TH
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc 01-07-2007
• Subjects: Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Conjunctiva - transplantation; Humans; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; Pterygium - surgery; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Secondary Prevention
• ISSN: 1040-8738; 1531-7021
• DOI: 10.1097/ICU.0b013e3281a7ecbb

PURPOSE OF REVIEWPterygium is a common ocular disorder in many parts of the world. At present, there is a wide variety of surgical methods but very few clinical guidelines on the optimal treatment of primary or recurrent pterygium. The purpose of this review is to summarize the more recent and relevant studies on pterygium treatment.
RECENT FINDINGSThe primary aim is to excise the pterygium and prevent its recurrence. As bare sclera excision is associated with a high recurrence rate, pterygium excision is often combined with conjunctival autograft, mitomycin C, beta-irradiation or other adjunctive therapies to reduce recurrence rates. There is currently, however, no consensus regarding the ideal treatment for the disease. Comparability between studies is also hampered by the various definitions of pterygium recurrence.
SUMMARYThis article reviews the current concepts and techniques used for the treatment of pterygium. Conjunctival autografting and mitomycin C application are the most commonly used methods for preventing recurrences. The use of mitomycin C and beta-irradiation should be used judiciously because of the potential long-term risk of sight-threatening complications. Additional clinical trials should be performed to evaluate the relative efficacies and long-term safety of the various treatment modalities.