BACKGROUND Pterygium is a conjunctival disease, an abnormal triangle fold of membrane secondary to elastotic degenerative condition of the subconjunctival tissue proliferates as vascularised tissue encroaches upon the cornea destroying the superficial layers of the stroma and Bowman's membrane. Recently, it has become clear that ultraviolet light exposure is the most important environmental influence. Surgical excision is the principal mode of therapy for Pterygium. But the high incidence of

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... urrence following excision remains a challenge unmet and a problem unsolved. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of limbal conjunctival autografting in the surgical management of Pterygium in farmers and to analyse the recurrence rates and complications of conjunctival autografting in farmers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prospective observational study of 50 cases of Pterygium. The patients were randomly selected. After pre-operative assessment, patients were taken up for the surgical procedure by a single surgeon. All the patients followed up post-operatively for 1 year. A recurrence was defined as a fibrovascular tissue crossing the corneo-scleral limbus on to clear cornea in the area of previous Pterygium excision. RESULTS In this study, 60% of patients were in the age group of 21 to 40 years. The commonest indication for surgery was cosmetic disfigurement 56% followed by ocular irritation and recurrent inflammation. The recurrence rate is 16.00% in the study. The complications in conjunctival autograft were granuloma at donor site, graft displacement, graft retraction and suture irritation. CONCLUSION Limbal conjunctival autograft is a safe, effective and affordable procedure in the management of Pterygium in farmers those who are at the risk of UV exposure. The recurrence rate could be reduced by health education, lifestyle modification and precautions. Complications can be avoided by simple precautions and refinement in surgical technique. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jayaraman VM, Jayaseelan X, Veeramani P. Analysis of efficacy, recurrence and complications following pterygium surgery with limbal auto-conjunctival graft in farmers.