CLINICAL PROFILE AND SURGICAL OUTCOME OF PATIENTS OPERATED FOR PTERYGIUM EXCISION SURGERY WITH CONJUNCTIVAL AUTOGRAFT AT TERTIARY CARE CENTRE: A PROSPECTIVE INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Background: Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder characterized by fibrovascular growth of conjunctival tissueonto the cornea, causing cosmetic problems, irritation, and visual impairment. Surgical excision with conjunctivalautografting is considered an effective technique with low recurrence rates. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinicalprofile and surgical outcomes of patients undergoing pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft. Aims and objectives:To evaluate the clinical profile and surgical outcomes of pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft, assessing graftstability, recurrence, postoperative complications, and effectiveness of the technique at a tertiary care centre. Materials andMethods: A 18-month hospital-based prospective interventional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre among 110patients with primary pterygium undergoing excision surgery with conjunctival autograft after informed consent and clinicalevaluation. Results: Among 110 patients, the mean age was 59.62 ± 11.75 years, with females predominating (62.73%).Nasal pterygium was most common (91.82%), and Grade II was the predominant grade (72.73%). Preoperative symptomswere minimal. Postoperatively, moderate symptoms peaked on day 1 but progressively improved. By day 28, most patientsachieved complete symptom resolution, indicating favourable postoperative recovery. Conclusion: Pterygium excision withconjunctival autograft is a safe and effective surgical procedure with favorable anatomical and functional outcomes. Propersurgical technique and postoperative care provide good graft success with minimal complications and low