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Mitomycin eye drops as treatment for pterygium
G Singh1, M R Wilson, C S Foster
1Martin Luther King Jr., General Hospital, King/Drew/UCLA Medical Center.
Ophthalmology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Mitomycin eye drops significantly reduced pterygium recurrence after surgery. A lower concentration (0.4 mg/ml) minimized side effects, showing promise for pterygium treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Adjuncts
Background:
- Pterygium, a common eye condition, often recurs after surgical removal.
- Adjuvant therapies are explored to improve surgical outcomes and reduce recurrence rates.
Observation:
- Mitomycin (0.4 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml) eye drops were used as adjunctive treatment post-pterygium excision.
- A placebo group received standard eye drops for comparison.
Findings:
- Mitomycin significantly decreased pterygium recurrence (2.3% vs. 88.9% in placebo).
- The 0.4 mg/ml mitomycin dosage minimized side effects like conjunctival irritation and keratitis observed with the 1.0 mg/ml concentration.
- No systemic toxicity was detected with either mitomycin dosage.
Implications:
- Topical mitomycin eye drops represent a safe and effective adjunct to surgical pterygium excision.
- The 0.4 mg/ml concentration offers a favorable balance between efficacy and tolerability.
- Further research may solidify mitomycin's role in managing primary and recurrent pterygia.