Developments and current approaches in the treatment of pterygium

To assess and compare the studies conducted in the literature with recurrence rates and the summary of the justified treatment approaches be presented.

Pterygium, a fibrovascular tissue that proceeds from the bulbar conjunctiva towards the cornea, is quite a commonly seen ocular surface deterioration. The treatment is performed through a surgical excision, and the frequent recurrence of this disorder, despite the developments of today, is the major problem experienced in the wake of the surgery. There are various treatment methods applied for the prevention of recurrence; yet, there is no definite view as to what treatment is the most effective one. Since the recurrent pterygium cases are more aggressive than the primary pterygium, it is of great importance to determine the treatment method in which recurrence rate is the lowest. In different studies seen in the literature, there is difficulty in comparing the results due to the fact that the follow-up periods, recurrence criteria and the doses and durations of the medications administered differ from one another.

When the literature is reviewed, the bare sclera technique is not used due to the high rate of recurrence, whereas successful results can be achieved through the conjunctival autograft technique. Lower recurrence rates have been reported along with the administration of mitomycin C, 5-FU and other agents that were used as an adjuvant treatment.