Pterygium recurrence is a common complication. To prevent this various methods including conjunctival autografting and Mitomycin-c have been tried with different success rates. In this study it was proposed to study the role of conjunctival autograft and a Mitomycin-C, an antineoplastic drug in preventing recurrence of pterygium. Material and Methods: 60 cases of pterygium were included in this study. Study was done over a period of two years. Case control study was done with each patient

more »

... ed up for minimum six months. Group -I. In this area of sclera left uncovered after excision of the pterygium. Group -II Free autograft was harvested from the same eye. The donor site heals without covering under the protection of lid. Group -III A surgical sponge soaked with Mitomycin-C solution 0.02% was placed in contact with exposed sclera surface with the conjunctival layer draped over the sponge for 3 minutes followed by irrigation of 100 ml ringer lactate solution to prevent further contact of drug with eye tissue. Standard surgical technique as described earlier was used. Results: Excision leaving bare sclera is the least effective of all techniques with high rate of recurrence. Conjunctival autografting is the safest procedure. No vision threatening complications were observed with conjunctival autografting. Conjunctival autografting and Mitomycin-C both are effective in reducing the recurrence rate of pterygium, with comparable results of surgery. Conclusion: Conjunctival autografting and intraoperative Mitomycin-C 0.02% for three minutes are safe and effective methods in management of pterygium.