Transplantation of limbal autograft stem cells with conjunctival flap for treatment of pterygium

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of transplantating limbal autograft stem cells in treatment of pterygium.Methods: Thirty-two eyes of 30 patients with progressive pterygium and 10 eyes of 10 patients with recurrent pterygium were treated by transplantation of limbal autograft with conjunctival flap.The graft was obtained from the lower limbal cornea with bulbar conjunctival flap in the same side.Special attention was paid to the accurate alignment of the graft and the corneal bed during suturing.The epithelialization and growth of the graft were observed.Results: During the follow-up period of 12 months,no recurrence was found.The corneal epithelium and the tear film were normal.Conclusions: Transplantation of limbal autograft stem cells from the same side is effective and safe for treatment of pterygium.