Pterygium surgery with conjunctival autograft

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Pterygium Surgery with Conjunctival Autograft

What Does It Involve?

Pterygium surgery with conjunctival autograft is necessary when the pterygium causes discomfort or becomes large enough to interfere with vision. It can cause astigmatism or impair sight if it extends towards the pupil. The procedure involves removing the pterygium and replacing the excised area with a small portion of the patient's own conjunctiva.

When Is It Carried Out?

  • Surgery is required when the pterygium causes discomfort, astigmatism, or interferes with vision.
  • Keratitis caused by the pterygium also requires treatment.

Prior Examination:

  • A comprehensive eye examination is necessary before surgery.

Before the Surgery:

  • After the surgery, the patient wears a patch which is removed within 24 hours.
  • Redness in the eye is common, but recovery usually takes a few weeks.

The Surgery:

  • The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with the eye held open by a clamp.
  • A microscope is used, and the patient is asked to look at a fixed point.
  • A sterile field is set up, but the patient can breathe and speak normally.
  • The surgeon performs an autograft, placing a portion of the patient's conjunctiva where the pterygium was excised. Absorbable sutures or biological glue (tissue adhesive) are used to avoid the need for sutures.

Risks:

  • Infection (0.05%), loss of transparency of the treated area, thinning of the cornea, foreign body granuloma, and hypertrophic conjunctival scars are possible risks.
  • The pterygium may recur in about 10% of cases, especially if the surgery is not performed well or if the pterygium was highly developed.
  • If the pterygium has not invaded the visual axis, the surgery success rate is 95%+.

Associated Pathologies:

  • Pterygium
  • Corneal Cross-Linking

Corneal Cross-Linking

What Does It Involve?

Corneal cross-linking is a procedure that uses ultraviolet radiation to strengthen the cornea and slow down the progression of keratoconus.

When Is It Carried Out?

  • It is performed in keratoconus patients who still have good visual acuity, but tests show that the condition is progressing.

Prior Examination:

  • A comprehensive eye examination and corneal topography are conducted prior to the procedure.

Surgery:

  • The procedure lasts approximately one hour.
  • It is performed under topical anaesthesia and on an outpatient basis.

After the Surgery:

  • Patients typically experience discomfort for 3-4 days after the procedure.
  • The use of therapeutic contact lenses and analgesics can help manage pain and discomfort.

Risks:

  • There are no significant risks associated with the procedure.

Associated Pathologies:

  • Keratoconus