Outcomes of Vertical Split Conjunctival Autograft Using Fibrin Glue in Treatment of Primary Double-Headed Pterygia

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the efficiency of pterygium excision with the vertical split conjunctival technique using fibrin glue in treatment of primary double-headed pterygia. Patients and Methods. 15 eyes of 15 patients with primary double-headed pterygia that underwent vertical split conjunctival autograft pterygium surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrence was defined as fibrovascular proliferation over the limbus onto the cornea. Results. The patients’ mean age was 36.92 ± 10.8 years. At 12-month follow-up, recurrence was not seen in any cases. Regarding postoperative cosmetic grading, grade 1 (the appearance of the operated site is not different from the normal appearance) was found in 12 eyes (80%) and grade 2 (some fine episcleral vessels in the excised area extending up to but not beyond the limbus and without fibrous tissue) was found in 3 eyes (20%). None of the cases showed conjunctival scarring or fibrosis at the conjunctival donor area. Preoperative Sim K astigmatism at the central 3 mm and BCVA were 3.05 ± 1.5 diopters (D) and 0.64 ± 0.26 logMAR, which improved significantly to 1.15 ± 0.84 D and 0.26 ± 0.18 logMAR at 12-month follow-up postoperatively, respectively. Conclusion. Vertical split conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue is an effective technique with good cosmetic results and low to no recurrence for primary double-headed pterygia treatment. This trial is registered with NCT03507283.