Objective optical quality analysis using double-pass technique in pterygium surgery.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Pterygium, a conjunctival growth, can impair visual function.
• Assessing objective optical quality changes post-surgery is crucial for understanding visual recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate objective optical quality modifications following pterygium surgical excision.
• To assess the efficacy of the Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) in postoperative pterygium management.

Main Methods:

• Forty eyes with primary pterygium underwent surgical excision.
• Objective scattering index (OSI) and modulation transfer function cutoff (MTFcutoff) were measured preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively.
• Pterygium size was used to classify eyes into small (group 1) and medium/large (group 2) for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• Global analysis revealed significant improvements in visual acuity and optical quality parameters up to 6 months post-surgery.
• Both small and large pterygium excisions demonstrated significant improvements in visual acuity and optical quality.
• No significant differences in visual quality evolution were observed between groups based on pterygium size.

Conclusions:

• Pterygium excision leads to substantial and sustained improvements in visual quality.
• The Optical Quality Analysis System is a valuable tool for monitoring postoperative outcomes after pterygium surgery.