Efficacy of topical prednisolone phosphate 1% eye drops in reducing recurrences after bare sclera pterygium surgery

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of topical prednisolone phosphate 1% eye drops in reducing recurrences after bare sclera pterygium surgery. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Kenyatta, Nakuru, Embu, Murang’a, and Machakos eye clinics of Kenya. Subjects: 51 eyes of 46 patients (17 males and 29 females) operated between May and November 1997 at the above eye units. The youngest was 22 years and the oldest 76 years. Results: 24 out of 31 pterygia in the prednisolone group and 15 of 20 controls were evaluated. 16.7% of the eyes in the prednisolone group developed recurrences as compared to 53.3% in the control group (p=0.0017). All except one of the recurrences developed within 8 weeks. Recurrences were more common in younger patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between males and females. Conclusions: Topical prednisolone phosphate 1% eye drops; a cheap and easily available eye medication is an effective adjunctive treatment after bare sclera pterygium surgery. Recommendations: Other adjunctive treatments and surgical techniques should also be explored preferably in a multi-centre setup.