Purpose: To observe the effect of retrograding excision of pterygium with amniotic membrane transplantation on the prevention of pterygium relapse.
Methods: Incisions of conjunctiva were made along both sides of pterygium body. The conjunctiva was then separated from the underlying pterygium tissue and cut at the side of pterygium body. It was further separated from the underlying pterygium tissues toward the caruncle so that the pterygium tissue could be exposed, which was separated from the sclera and then was excised at the site of the plicae semilunaris and separated from the cornea retrogressively. The exposed sclera was then covered by transplanted amniotic membrane.
Results: After 6 - 19 months of follow-up, two in 60 eyes of pterygium relapsed, recurrent rate 3. 3%. No immune rejection, necrosis and graft absorption were found.
Conclusion: Retrograding excision of pterygium with fresh amniotic membrane transplantation can significantly decrease the relapse of pterygium. Amniotic membrane transplantation is a reasonable method for treatment of pterygium. Fresh amniotic membrane transplantation has advantages of easily obtain, convenient usage, and lower cost, which is suitable in local hospital of our country.