Background: Sutureless glueless pterygium surgery is a newer alternative to the conjunctival autograft with sutures technique. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare and evaluate efficacy of two surgical techniques for the management of primary pterygium in terms of complications and post-operative signs and symptoms.Methods: The study included 50 patients with primary pterygium. Simple excision under local anaesthesia was performed followed by closure of the bare sclera by suture less and glue free conjunctival autograft in 25 patients (Group 1), versus the conventional method of a sutured conjunctival autograft in 25 patients (Group 2).Results: The study found that graft displacement and edema were more common in Group 1, whereas suture granulomas and epithelial cysts were observed more frequently in Group 2, likely due to the use of sutures. Additionally, recurrence of pterygium was observed in 2 patients (8%) in Group 1 at 4 and 6 weeks, compared to 1 patient (4%) in Group 2. Conclusion: Both techniques were effective in managing pterygium, but complications such as graft displacement, graft edema, and recurrence were more prevalent in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Sutureless technique may be considered as a viable alternative to sutured technique in terms of surgical outcomes.
Pterygium is a common eye condition, especially in dry, dusty regions, and can cause cosmetic issues and vision loss if it encroaches on the cornea. It is a degenerative condition of subconjunctival tissue that often invades the cornea. Key factors in its development include limbal stem cell deficiency and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Environmental factors, such as hot and dry conditions, also contribute. Symptoms typically include eye watering, headaches, and reduced vision. Various surgical methods have been explored, with autologous conjunctival grafting being the most effective, offering low recurrence rates. Suturing is commonly used but has drawbacks, including increased surgical time and postoperative complications. Alternatively, tissue glue offers advantages like shorter procedure time and fewer complications, though it is costly and may transmit infections. A newer approach using autologous blood coagulum avoids sutures and glue, reducing costs and complications, with promising results. This study assessed the outcomes of glueless and sutureless conjunctival autografts compared to traditional sutured grafts for primary pterygium.
Our study was a prospective, observational hospital based study of 50 patients suffering from primary pterygium attending the out patient department of ophthalmology. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were onlyincluded in this study. Case Selection: The study included patients who met the following criteria: Inclusion Criteria: • Primary nasal pterygium, occurring in individuals of any age and gender. Exclusion Criteria: • Temporal pterygium. • Recurrent pterygium. • Pseudopterygium. • Individuals with a history of glaucoma, as preservation of the superior conjunctiva is essential for future glaucoma surgery. • Patients with any vitreoretinal disorders that might require surgical intervention. • Those with a history of previous intraocular surgery or ocular trauma. In our study we divided the patients into two groups: Group 1: included 25 patients who underwent sutureless, glueless conjunctival autografting. Group 2: included 25 patients whounderwent conjunctival autografting with sutures.