title: [Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and modified bare sclera technique for treatment of pterygium].
abstract: Forty-six pterygia were surgically removed using a modified "bare sclera" technique. Additionally, an excimer laser PTK was performed using the immersion method to smooth the irregular surface of the cornea. Follow-up was 6 to 10 months. We found 24 recurrences. In patients with pterygia of more than 4 mm who were from southern Europe, the Middle East, or Africa, the recurrence rate was 100%. In pterygia from 2 to 4 mm the recurrence rate was 50%; in pterygia up to the limbus no recurrences were noted. The excimer laser has no positive influence on pterygia recurrences that have been removed using the modified "bare sclera" technique.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Augenklinik, Münster.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Förster
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Atzler
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ratkay
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Busse
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011625:Pterygium / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques