Clinical Observation of Corneal Limbal Stem Cell Autograft Transplantation in Treatment of Pterygium

Objective To assess the therapeutic effects of corneal limbal stem cell autograft transplantation for the treatment of pterygium. Methods Corneal limbal stem cell autograft transplantation were performed on 54 eyes(43 cases) with newly developed(n=38) or recurrent pterygium(n=16). All the recurrent pterygium had already been treated at least twice either by simple excision (n=11) or by conjunctival rotation autograft (n=5).Results During 6-18 months of follow-up no postoperative complications occurred. In 49 eyes no pterygium recurrence was recorded; recurrence occurred in 5 eyes (9.3%) after 8 to 11 months. Conclusion Corneal limbal stem cell autograft transplantation can provide new stem cells for the damaged limbal,it seems to be a promising and safe procedure for pterygium.