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Male gender, high sun exposure linked to recurrence of pterygia
The recurrence of pterygia after removal may be linked to male gender and sun exposure, according to a study.
The prospective study examined 36 patients with primary or recurrent pterygia. Patients were randomized into a group in which tissue glue was used to attach the autograft or a group in which 7-0 Mersilk sutures were used. All surgeries were completed by the same surgeon.
Follow-up examinations were completed 2 and 7 days and 2, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Data were recorded about several factors, including the patient’s principle place of residence, lifetime sun exposure, use of sun protection and use of prescription glasses.
Male gender and workday sun exposure significantly correlated to recurrence after the removal of pterygia (both P < .001). A relationship was not able to be established between recurrence and eye protective measures, pterygium type, primary-recurrent pterygia, surgical technique or patient race.
“Our results indicate that focal limbal insufficiency due to high sun exposure for years also determines a higher probability of recurrence after conjunctival grafting,” the study authors said.