Abstract:

Objective To observe the outcome of combined limbal conjunctival autograft and amniotic membrane covering in the treatment of huge pterygium and ocular surface reconstruction. Methods The clinical data of 13 patients (14 eyes) with huge pterygium treated between January 2012 and June 2012 were retrospectively analysed. All patients were managed with pterygium excision, limbal conjunctival autograft combined with amniotic membrane covering. During operation, 0.02% mitomycin C was applied to the scleral bed for 1 min. Results Patients were followed up for one year, and no recurrence occurred. The corneas were transparent or clouding, and no corneal melting, corneal endothelial decompensation or other serious complications were found. Conclusion Limbal conjunctival autograft combined with amniotic membrane covering can effectively reduce the recurrence rate of pterygium, decrease postoperative irritation, and promote wound healing, which is conducive to the reconstruction of ocular structures.

Key words: pterygium, limbal stem cells, amniotic membrane