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Role of artificial tears in reducing the recurrence of pterygium after surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Kampitak Kosol,
Leelawongtawun Wichai,
Leeamornsiri Supinda,
Suphachearaphan Wannisa
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/aos.13176
Subject(s) - pterygium , medicine , dexamethasone , surgery , randomized controlled trial , artificial tears , tears
Purpose To determine whether artificial tears can reduce recurrence of pterygium after surgery. Methods A total of 128 primary pterygium cases after excision were randomized into two groups according to postoperative drugs: 64 cases received topical dexamethasone (control group), and 64 cases received topical dexamethasone and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (treatment group). The pterygium was removed with amniotic membrane graft technique in all cases. Recurrence was observed within 6 months after surgery, and survival analysis was used to evaluate the difference between groups. Results There were no significant differences in age and gender of patients, size of pterygium, Schirmer's test results and tear breakup time between both groups (p > 0.05). Recurrence rate in the treatment group (16%) was significantly less than the control group (33%), p = 0.018 (log‐rank test). Conclusion Using artificial tears as an adjunctive drug could lower pterygium recurrence after excision.