Clinical observation and discussion of retrograde excision of a pterygium with amniotic membrane transplantation

Objective:To observe and discuss the effect of a retrograde excision of a pterygium with amniotic membrane transplantation for preventing a recurrence of a pterygium.Methods:Binary division was made at the cervix of the pterygium at the site of the limbus corneae. The pterygium tissue was separated from the cornea retrogradively. The conjunctiva was separated from the underlying pterygium tissue and then pterygium tissue was separated from the sclera toward the caruncle and excised at the site of the plica semilunaris. Transplanted amniotic membrane was then used to cover the exposed sclera.Results:After 6 to 16 months of follow up,there was a relapse in three of 60 cases of pterygium.Conclusion:Retrograde excision of a pterygium with amniotic membrane transplantation can significantly decrease the recurrence of pterygium.