The Effect of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Pterygium Excision

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In order to analyze the clinical efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation, this study reviewed the literature on the treatments of pterygium with antimetabolites, radiation and conjunctival autograft. In addition, the outcome of simple excision with preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of a primary and recurrent pterygium were assessed. METHODS: A total of 28 eyes with pterygium (primary 11 eyes, recurrent 17 eyes) were treated with a simple excision and a preserved human amniotic membrane transplantation. A recurrence was defined as a regrowth of fibrovascular tissue invading the cornea. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 86 days, 2 (7%) recurrences were observed. One out of 11 eyes had a recurrence of the primary pterygium (9%), 1 out of 17 eyes had a recurrence of the recurrent pterygium (6%). No side effects or complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The simple excision of pterygium with amniotic membrane transplantation had a low recurrence rate and no side effects. The amniotic membrane transplantation is an effective method for treating pterygium.