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Long-Term Density Changes in Corneal Layers After Primary Pterygium Excision With Topical Mitomycin-C
Ka Wai Kam1, Rachel P W Kwok, Michael W Belin
1*Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong; †Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; and ‡Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Corneal scars after pterygium surgery with mitomycin-C continue to decrease in density over 18 months, particularly in the anterior layer. This suggests ongoing scar remodeling, with potential sex-based differences in healing.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Pterygium excision with topical mitomycin-C is a common treatment.
- Understanding long-term corneal changes post-surgery is crucial for patient outcomes.
- Corneal density changes may indicate scar maturation and resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term changes in corneal densities 18 months after pterygium excision and mitomycin-C treatment.
- To investigate the relationship between anterior and posterior corneal layer densities over time.
- To evaluate the impact of topical mitomycin-C on corneal scar remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational case series of 31 patients.
- Corneal densities measured using Pentacam imaging at 18 months post-surgery.
- Comparison of corneal densities with data from weeks 1, 4, and 12 using paired t-tests.
Main Results:
- The anterior corneal layer density decreased by 12.7% at 18 months compared to week 1 (P=0.0144).
- No significant changes were observed in central or posterior corneal layer densities.
- Density reduction appeared more pronounced in males, suggesting potential sex-based differences in scar remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Anterior corneal scars show continued density reduction over 18 months.
- The observed changes suggest ongoing scar remodeling rather than optical artifacts.
- Potential sex differences in corneal scar healing warrant further investigation.
