AbstractBackground: Pterygium is an abnormal fibrovascular subconjuctival tissue that encroaches upon the cornea causing visual disturbances. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for pterygium. Aim: To compare the recurrence rate of pterygium in Bare sclera vs Limbal conjunctival autografting and to study the underlying risk factors associated. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study conducted at Department of ophthalmology, Nalgonda Government Medical College, Nalgonda. Patients who presented with primary pterygium were grouped into 2 categories. Group 1 underwent baresclera technique. Group 2 underwent conjuctival autografting and were followed up for a period of 1 year. Result: In Group 1 showed recurrence rate of 30.50% (18 patients) as compared to Group 2 which showed recurrence rate o f 3.21% across all age groups. Males have recurrence rate of 39.02% (16
patients) in group 1 as compared to 2.43% (1 patient) in group 2. People employed outdoor have recurrence rate of 40.90% (18 patients) in group 1 as compared to 2.27% (1 patient) in group 2. Nasal pterygium has recurrencr rate of 36.8% (14 patients) in group 1 as compared to 2.63% (1 patient) in group 2. Mean recurrence rate was higher in Group 1 (34.66%) as compared to Group 2 (2.53%). Conclusion: Limbal conjunctival autografting is a safe effective procedure for pterygium surgery with lower recurrence rate.
Keywords: Pterygium; Recurrence; Conjunctival autograft; Bare sclera.