Effect of argon laser before and after surgery on primary pterygium recurrence

Abstract

Background Pterygium is a common ocular surface lesion originating in the limbal conjunctiva. It has a high recurrence rate after excision; thus, there are multiple surgeries and adjuvant therapies to avoid this high recurrence rate. Aim The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of argon laser photocoagulation before and after surgery on primary pterygium recurrence. Patients and methods This study is a prospective interventional study that included a total of 20 eyes of 20 patients divided into two groups randomly: The follow-up period ranged between 6 and 15 months (mean: 10.5 months). Results The recurrence rate in group A was 20%, but in group B, it was 50%. However, it is still statistically insignificant (P=0.160); there was a highly significant difference between pterygium length on the cornea before and after treatment in recurrent cases in groups A and B, with shorter length in group A (P<0.01). Inflammatory signs and irritative symptoms resolved within 1–2 weeks in the two study groups, but it was faster in group A than in group B, with a statistically insignificant difference (P=0.196). Epithelial healing occurred within 1–2 weeks in the two study groups, but it was faster in group B than group A, with a statistically insignificant difference (P=0.673), and the mean time till recurrence was 7.5 months in group A and 7.8 months in group B, with a statistically insignificant difference (P=0.846). Conclusion Argon laser photocoagulation has benefits if used as adjuvant therapy to the bare sclera technique in pterygium excision as it decreases the recurrence rate. If recurrence occurs, the length of the recurrent pterygium on the cornea is less than the length preoperatively.