Preoperative Argon Laser Photocoagulation to Reduce Postoperative Recurrence of Pterygium

Background: Pterygium is ocular surface disease, pinkish, triangular tissue growth on the cornea of the eye, if it grows so large it covers the pupil and impairs vision. Argon laser essentially destroy tissue in order to have a beneficial effect on the eye. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of argon laser application pre- and postoperative by bare sclera technique on primary pterygium recurrence rate.
Methods: The research comprised 40 eyes of 40 patients with primary pterygium and divided them into two equal groups: group A had argon laser photocoagulation one week before surgery via bare sclera, and group B underwent pterygium removal. All patients underwent preoperative ocular examinations, including visual acuity, refraction, pupils, extra-ocular motility, intraocular pressure measurement by Goldmann applanation tonometer, external examination, slit lamp examination, and (+90D) lens-dilated fundus examination with biomicroscopy.
Results: The recurrence rate decreased more in group A, 25%, than in group B, 50%. Epithelial healing was almost equal in both groups but signs of inflammation were resolved faster in group A. Irritative symptoms decreased in the two groups pre- and postoperative. Highly statistically significant reduction of length of pterygium on cornea was 1.40±0.28 after treatment in recurrent compared to before treatment in group A. Statistically significant reduction of length of pterygium on cornea was 0.60±0.28 after treatment in recurrent compared to before treatment in group B.
Conclusion: The laser-treated group exhibited superior outcomes across multiple parameters, highlighting its potential to enhance both clinical and structural outcomes in patients undergoing pterygium excision.