Long-term follow-up of transplantation of preserved limbal allograft and amniotic membrane for recurrent pterygium

Purpose To conduct a long-term follow-up study evaluating the efficacy and safety of transplantation of preserved limbal allograft and amniotic membrane for recurrent pterygium. Methods This was a retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series conducted at a private eye hospital. Eighty-four eyes of 80 patients with recurrent pterygium were included in the study. The mean number of previous surgeries for pterygium was 1.36 ± 0.98 (range, 1–8). All subjects received transplantation of preserved limbal allograft and amniotic membrane. Results The mean follow-up period was 73.0 ± 38.1 months (range, 12–154 months). Pterygium recurred in 10 eyes (11.9 %). The mean period to recurrence was 16.3 ± 11.3 months (range, 5–33 months). Symblepharon was cured in 21 eyes, persisted in 2 eyes, and newly occurred in 3 eyes. Diplopia was cured in eight eyes, persisted in five eyes, and newly occurred in one eye. As for complications, intraocular pressure elevations over 21 mmHg were recognized in ten eyes of nine cases, in which the intraocular pressure was controlled by reduction of topical steroid in four eyes and by addition of topical prostaglandin derivatives in six eyes. Twenty-four eyes (28.6 %) gained two lines or more of Landolt best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), 56 eyes (66.7 %) stayed within one line from preoperation, and four eyes (4.8 %) lost two lines or more. There were no major complications and no graft rejection. Conclusions Transplantation of preserved limbal allograft and amniotic membrane is a safe and effective procedure for recurrent pterygium.