Pterygium surgery in Victoria: a survey of ophthalmologists.

AIM

To determine the surgical approaches and adjunctive therapy es currently used by Victorian ophthalmologists for the treatment of primary and recurrent pterygia.

METHOD

Ophthalmologists practising in Victoria were asked to complete a written survey relating to their experience with pterygium surgery.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 142 of 165 ophthalmologists surveyed (86%). Of these, 107 (75%) had performed at least one pterygium operation during the preceding 2 years. Excision followed by beta irradiation was the most commonly performed procedure for both primary (57%) and recurrent (35%) pterygia. The next most commonly performed procedure for primary pterygia was excision leaving bare sclera (15%) and, for recurrent pterygia, excision with autologous conjunctival transplantation (26%). Considerable variation was observed in surgical technique, choice of adjunctive therapy, postoperative care and in the surgeons' estimates of the frequency of major complications.

CONCLUSION

Although there is little consensus regarding the surgical management of pterygium, beta irradiation remains the most commonly used adjunctive therapy in Victoria.