Pterygium Removal Surgery; Options, Post Unsuccessful Procedure

[JeffD]

I have recently had surgery to remove a pterygium (with graft sewn into the affected area) that was beginning to cause an astigmatism, impacting acuity.  After 6 weeks, it appears that the pterygium may be starting to return.  Questions: What options/treatments are available now that surgery has already been tried?  What do these options entail and what are the success rates of each?  Finally, what are the implications of these options to ultimately having final corrective surgery (lasik or manual) for corrected vision in the affected eye once pterygium removal efforts are complete?  Thanks.

[run2run]

Jeff-
I just had a ptergium removed in my left eye using the same procedure as you had.. My surgeon told me that the chance of it returning was less than 15% so I was disheartened to hear that after six weeks yours was doing so.. My surgeon also  explained to me that if the eye did not stabelize there was a procedure involving radiation of some kind.  To be honest I was not able to wrap my head around the thought - at that moment, but now I am too, also curious about after care and procedures for the possibility of a return of the pterygium.
Sorry I am not offering any advice and I hope to gain knowledge along with you.
Now my question for you.  How long did you have the annoying pain, sensitivity, raw feeling and I guess overall discomfort.  I was a bit taken aback by how uncomfortable the after effects were.  I did not feel that my surgeon properly prepared me being that he is a man of VERY few words and as you can tell by my thread I am not.
Thanks for your time.
run2run

[JeffD]

To answer your question about the discomfort post surgery, mine lasted less than one week but was quite intense during the first part of that week. In fact, Vicodin at double the prescribed dosage, didn't help for the first few days.  After a week though, I would believe you should settle into a more mild discomfort and likely shouldn't have any left, from at least just the surgery, after two weeks (meaning maybe some discomfort from the eye drops regimin).  I would be careful about the radiation treatment if offered as a next step.  Do some homework/research to make sure you understand the implications.  My doctor (at Stanford U. Med center) says they won't do it as it can create problems worse than the one you're trying to fix.  Whichever avenue you choose, just be sure that you are educated and comfortable with the trade-offs.  JeffD

[JoeMc]

I just had a pterygium removed from my left eye with the autograft technique.  The discomfort was actualy less than I had anticipated, but the appearance is much worse.  How long before the eye settles down and assumes a more or less normal appearance (if ever).  Also what tips do you guys have for taking care of the eye?  Thanks.  Joe.

[georgiegrl]

I had a pterygium removed in January 2004 and it began to come back within a few months.  It's been a year and a half since my surgery and my pterygium is now just as bad as it was when I had the surgery.  It is red and irritated most of the time.  I have been using allergy eye drops to relieve the redness and it works okay, but never completely clears my eye up.  Has anyone had more than one surgery for this?  Does anyone know of any medication to relieve the redness.

Also, I did have radiation treatment after the removal.  It was some kind of led or something that they held against the affected area.  I had several treatments, yet my pterygium returned. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm stuck w/this thing forever!  It's a real eyesore!

[soni1955]

A related discussion, Pterygium surgery was that a big mistake ? was started.

[eyetoeye]

A related discussion, How many surgeries to remove a pterygium was started.