Pterygium is a pinkish-yellow, triangular, wing shaped encroachment of (Conjunctiva) skin on the cornea.Can occur at any age, but commonly affecting people in 20-40 yrs age group. The most common cause of pterygium is exposure to UV-radiation, usually from sunlight. People engaged in out-door activities are more prone to develop this entity.                                                                                                  

Symptoms: Red Eye, Watering, may affect vision, Cosmetic blemish

Before Surgery : Pinkish Growth covering the Nasal Side of the Cornea

 SutureLess Pterygium Surgery with AutoConjunctival Graft : same eye after 4 weeks of Surgery

Pterygium Surgery : In pterygium surgery, essentially the abnormal tissue is removed from the cornea. Earlier, pterygium surgery was associated with re occurrence of the disease in about 50-60% of cases. But recent undersatnding has brought in new innovations in the surgical technique.

Amongst the various surgical options, Pterygium Excision with AutoConjunctival Graft is having the best surgical outcome and has a very low recurrence rate. In this technique, pterygium is surgically excised and the defect is bridged by an Autologous Conjunctival Graft usually harvested from the supero-temporal limbus of the same eye. This takes care of the localised limbal stem cell deficiency. Hence, compared to other surgical procedures it offers very low recurrence rate and high safety. This graft can either be stitched or applied with tissue adhesive e.g. Fibrin Sealant. The stitches may take 2-3 weeks to dissolve orare  to be removed. If fibrin glue is used the eye becomes quiet within a week after the surgery and permits the patient to return to work within the same time.Research studies have shown that patient undergoing No-stitch surgery had significantly less pain and discomfort after surgery. No-stich surgery also reduces surgical time by 20-30%.

If Pterygium has covered larger surface area of Cornea we may consider using Amniotic membrane Graft on the surface in addition to the Conjunctival Graft to reduce scarring and enhance surface stability. It is also used for cases with re Ocurrence to reduce fibrosis & achieve overall good surgical outcome.

This highly specialized method for Pterygium removal offers Great Cosmetic Results and comfort to the patient. Dr. Paras Mehta is known for her No stich Surgical Technique and results amongst the peers. In fact she runs academic Skill Transfer courses for the colleagues and Resident Doctors on this surgical technique.