Bowman layer onlay transplantation in the management of recurrent pterygium

Abstract

The main way to treat pterygium is to excise it. However, the recurrence rate of the disease can exceed 35%. The aim of the paper is to study the possibility and evaluate the effectiveness of transplanting an isolated Bowman layer in surgery for recurrent pterygium. Bowman layer transplantation was performed in 6 eyes of 6 patients aged between 34 and 63 years. The technique was combined with resection of the pterygium, laser ablation, autoconjunctival plasty, taking a cytostatic drug, and seamless transplantation of the Bowman layer. After 36 months the corrected visual acuity values changed from 0.32 ± 0.16 to 0.88 ± 0.12, the topographic astigmatism from 4.1 ± 1.5 to 1.3 ± 0.8 diopters). There were no recurrences of pterygium during this period. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result obtained.