Abstract
Introduction: Pterygium, a common ocular surface condition, is characterized by the growth of fibrovascular tissue from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. This growth disrupts the visual axis and induces changes in corneal topography, leading to astigmatism and other refractive errors.
Objective: This work aims to assess corneal changes induced by pterygium and the effect of pterygium surgery on these changes using the Pentacam system.
Patients and Methods: This prospective interventional study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with primary pterygium undergoing pterygium removal surgery. Complete ophthalmological examination, uncorrected (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and Pentacam imaging were performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Pterygium was graded preoperatively. Outcome measures included changes in UCVA, BCVA, subjective refraction, and Pentacam-derived corneal parameters after pterygium excision.
Results: Postoperatively, there was insignificant improvement in UCVA (p=0.106) and BCVA (p=0.724). The mean postoperative subjective cylinder-D was significantly (p=0.008) lower (-0.98 ± 0.1) than the preoperative value (-2.03 ± 0.4). Pentacam astigmatism showed significant improvement postoperatively (p=0.032). Changes in logMAR BCVA, subjective cylinder, and Pentacam astigmatism were significantly correlated with pterygium grade (p < 0.001 for all).
Conclusion: Pterygium surgery improved visual, refractive, and corneal topographic parameters. The magnitude of improvement was proportional to the pterygium grade. Pentacam was useful in quantifying the corneal changes pre- and postoperatively. Further studies with longer follow-ups are warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes.