Comparison of Conjunctival Autograft versus Amniotic Membrane Graft in Primary Pterygium Surgery

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of conjunctival autograft transplantation andamniotic membrane graft transplantation in pterygium surgery.Materials and Methods: This was a randomized, parallel group, Single-center study included 60 patients. 30 patients ofwhich underwent pterygium excision followed by Conjunctival autograft transplantation. The other 30 patients also underwentpterygium excision with amniotic membrane graft transplantation. Follow-up was done for 6 months to evaluate the post-operativecomplaints, graft integrity, and complications associated with each procedure.Results: Post-operative discomfort and watering were less in amniotic membrane graft group (P = 0.13%). Further, in amnioticmembrane group, there was less transient graft edema (P = 0.22) and conjunctival hyperemia (P = 0.004). However, graft losswas more (P = 0.33) and so was the conjunctival granuloma formation (P = 0.45) in the amniotic membrane group.Conclusion: Amniotic membrane graft is as effective and safe as conjunctival autograft with no major complications.