Scleral melting 16 years after pterygium excision with topical Mitomycin C adjuvant therapy

Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2006 Sep;29(4):165-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2006.08.001. Epub 2006 Aug 30.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of scleral melting noted 16 years after pterygium excision with postoperative adjuvant topical Mitomycin C (MMC).

Method: Case report.

Results: A 61-year-old Malay gentleman underwent right nasal pterygium excision using bare sclera technique followed by topical MMC 0.1% for a week, 16 years ago. He was noted to have a right nasal scleral thinning with calcified plaque and granuloma. He was successfully treated conservatively without further progression of the scleral melting.

Conclusion: Long-term complication of pterygium excision with adjuvant topical Mitomycin C may occur. The case shows that early detection and recognition of the complication can be sight saving.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitomycin / administration & dosage*
  • Mitomycin / therapeutic use
  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Pterygium / drug therapy*
  • Pterygium / surgery*
  • Scleral Diseases / etiology*
  • Scleral Diseases / pathology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Mitomycin