Sutureless and glue-free conjunctival autograft for pterygium surgery: A preliminary report about Libyan experience

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcome of sutureless and glue-free conjunctival autograft for the management of primary pterygium in terms of complications such as loss of graft, graft dehiscence, and recurrence rate. Materials and Methods: A case series study was carried out in March 2015 at Nastaein private sanatorium, Zlitin, Libya. Twenty-seven eyes of 23 patients with primary pterygium were included in this study. Pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting without using sutures or glue was done to all patients. The patients were followed up postoperatively after 1 h, 1st day postoperatively, and then 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: The mean age of the patients was 55.9 ± 8.55 years (range: 43–71 years); 65% were male. Mean follow-up time was 10.2 ± 2 months. Changes of visual acuity were not noticed in any of these patients. Only one patient (3.7%) developed edge recession of the graft on the 1st postoperative day due to a wrong measurement of the size of the graft, and no other complications were noted. Cosmesis was excellent in all cases and no recurrence was noted. Conclusions: Sutureless and glue-free conjunctival autograft for primary pterygium surgery is a safe and effective way for the management of primary pterygium.