How many surgeries to remove a pterygium

[eyetoeye]

I had a pterygium removed in April 2007 after 17 years of watching it grow. I had a graft from my eye stitched in place. About 7 weeks post surgery, the pterygium was growing back. By the end of 2007 my eye doctor said I needed it to be removed again. I had the second surgery January 2008, this time with an amniotic graft. Low and behold, not two months post surgery, and the pterygium has returned as big and red as ever! Now I am going to see a cornea specialist and will have surgery for the third time. After much research I have to ask, what is a person to do? Also, I followed the doctors orders to the tee, drops, drops, and more drops.
Also, the recovery after the surgery is miserable! It was 3 weeks before my eye felt better and the stitches healed.
Google "pterygium recurrance" and you will read some discouraging stories.
Take care,
eyetoeye


This discussion is related to Pterygium Removal Surgery; Options, Post Unsuccessful Procedure.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Any discussion of pterygium development and surgery will say that reoccurence is the number 1 problem no matter what technique is used and how skillful the surgeon. Rates can be as high as 10-20%.  In the past even superficial strontium irradiation has been used to treat reoccurences.

You have only two options live with it or have the third surgery. Good luck.

Others reading this the main cause of pterygia is excessive sun damage to the conjunctiva. WEAR HATS AND UV BLOCKING SUNGLASSES OUTDOORS IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT.

JCH MD