Simplified and Safe Pterygium Surgery in Nigerians

ABSTRACT

Objective: To advocate a simplified and safe method of pterygium surgery to Ophthalmologists in Nigeria. Methods: After the routine standard preparation of the eyes for pterygium excision; 114 eyes that had the new procedure did not have the head of the pterygium shaved off the cornea with blade or knife in the usual standard manner; but was avulsed off the cornea unto the sclera . The cornea was then polished with the rough side of a broken ordinary razor blade. The pterygium was excised with a curved conjunctival scissors. Haemostasis and mitomycin C application were carried out in the usual standard manner. Results: All the 114 eyes that were operated using the new procedure had satisfactory cosmetic outcome of the pterygium excision and there was no complication encountered. Conclusion: The simplified method is both safe and effective for pterygium surgery