Modified Bare Sclera method for the treatment of primary pterygium: A preliminary report

Introduction: The bare sclera technique is still in use by many surgeons worldwide in spite of the attendant high recurrence rate. Any modification of this well known procedure may be more widely acceptable if associated with lower recurrence. Method: The bare sclera technique was modified by performing a partial thickness sclerectomy from the pterygium bed. This modified technique was applied to 23 eyes of 17 patients with primary pterygium. The subjects were followed up for varying periods between 8 to 31months to determine the recurrence rate of pterygium after surgical excision and other complications. Results: Initial observation showed that the recurrence occurred in two eyes of two patients of a series who were followed up for a minimum of six months and up to thirty-one months. Two other eyes developed suture granuloma. There were no other complications observed in the remaining twenty eyes of fifteen patients. Conclusion: Partial thickness sclerectomy when performed with standard bare sclera technique seems promising and may improve the results of pterygium excision by bare sclera method.