[Initial experience with autologous conjunctiva/limbus transplantation in pterygium]

The present paper reports on the technique and results of conjunctiva/limbus transplantation in 13 eyes with primary or cicatricial pterygium (12 cases and 1 case, respectively). In all cases the pterygia were located nasally. The operation was performed by bare sclera excision, covered with a free graft from the superotemporal conjunctiva and limbus. After a mean follow-up time of 5 months there was only one recurrence. On the basis of a new understanding of limbal diseases the authors believe that conjunctiva/limbus transplantation is an encouraging and appropriate technique for ideal anatomic reconstruction and low recurrence rates in pterygia.