Assessment of Corneal Epithelial Healing Rate after Pterygium Excision When Using 2% Hyaluronic Acid

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) ampule hastens corneal epithelialization in many clinical situations. Its anti-inflammatory effect helps to reduce pain and discomfort after eye surgery and accelerate healing. Aim of the study: To assess the effect of 2% hyaluronic acid on corneal epithelial defect healing rate and on controlling pain after pterygium excision. Patients and Methods: This case-control randomized interventional study involved 30 patients (30 eyes), aged 18–60 years, of both sexes, diagnosed with unilateral primary pterygium and treated with pterygium excision. Participants were divided equally into two groups: Group A (HA Group) received a thin layer of 2% hyaluronic acid (HA) along with standard treatment—tobramycin 0.3%, dexamethasone 0.1%, and a tear substitute—administered four times daily, plus a combination ointment of dexamethasone 0.1% and tobramycin 0.3% at bedtime. Group B (Control Group) received the same standard ophthalmic regimen without the 2% HA. Results: Acuity, sphere, and cylinder values demonstrated negligible differences between groups. No significant differences were observed in intraocular pressure or pterygium grading (p > 0.05). Extraocular muscle assessment also revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05). On days 0, 1, 2, and 3, the width and height of corneal epithelial defects and visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effectiveness of 2% hyaluronic acid has been demonstrated, as it improves the size and healing of corneal epithelial defects and reduces pain following pterygium excision.