OBJECTIVE: Pterygium and conjunctival laxity are common ocular conditions that can significantly affect visual comfort and quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to investigate ways to treat these problems. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of same-stage trapezoidal conjunctival flap transplantation, pterygium excision, and scleral fixation surgery versus staged pterygium excision, crescentic conjunctiva excision, and scleral fixation surgery in treating pterygium combined with conjunctival laxity. The study also aimed to evaluate the impact of these surgical techniques on postoperative complications.
METHODS: From June 2019 to May 2021, 90 patients (90 eyes) with pterygium combined with conjunctival laxity were included in this study and were randomly divided into two groups (A and B) using a simple number table method. Group A underwent same-stage trapezoidal conjunctival flap transplantation, pterygium excision, and scleral fixation surgery, while group B underwent staged pterygium excision, crescentic conjunctiva excision, and scleral fixation surgery. The International Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), degree of conjunctival laxity excision, changes in ocular tear film dynamics, recurrence rate, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS: The results showed that different surgical methods for pterygium and conjunctivochalasis did not significantly improve the symptoms and quality of life of patients. This suggests that more intensive research is needed to find more effective treatments. Therefore, the risks and benefits should be carefully considered when selecting ophthalmologic surgery, OSDI scores and fluorescein staining results of both groups were trending downward after surgery, while the breakup time of the tear film and height of the tear meniscus was increasing but there was no significant difference in the above indicators (P > .05). However, there was no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups before surgery, at 1, 3, and 6 months, and at 1 year after surgery (P > .05). There was also no significant difference in the degree of conjunctival laxity excision between the two groups at 1 and 3 months after surgery (P > .05). Finally, there was no significant difference in the healing time of the conjunctiva and recurrence rates between the two groups (P > .05). The results showed that different surgical methods for pterygium and conjunctivochalasis did not significantly improve the symptoms and quality of life of patients. This suggests that more intensive research is needed to find more effective treatments. Therefore, the risks and benefits should be carefully considered when selecting ophthalmologic surgery.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed no significant differences between surgical techniques, making monitoring and management of complications after surgery even more critical. Patients need to be carefully watched for possible complications such as infection, discomfort, and inflammation. Doctors and medical teams should be alert in advance and take appropriate measures to deal with these problems in a timely manner to ensure the success of the operation and the comfort of the patient. By monitoring and proactively managing potential complications, unnecessary pain and complexity can be reduced, thereby improving patient experience and outcomes. Additionally, the study had several limitations, including a small sample size, a limited study period, and failure to consider other potential factors. These limitations need to be addressed in future studies to validate and extend the results of this study. In conclusion, same-stage trapezoidal conjunctival flap transplantation, pterygium excision, and scleral fixation surgery is an effective treatment for patients with pterygium combined with conjunctival laxity, which can improve their visual function and ocular tear film dynamics. However, careful monitoring and management of postoperative complications are necessary.