Nearly 2 Dioptres Of Corneal Astigmatic Reduction After Pterygium Excision With Sutureless Conjunctival Limbal Autografting

Pterygium frequently induces irregular corneal astigmatism and degradation of optical quality. While conjunctival limbal autografting is widely used to prevent recurrence, the refractive benefits of pterygium surgery are less frequently emphasised.

This study evaluates the impact of pterygium excision with conjunctival limbal autografting on corneal astigmatism and visual outcomes.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.

A retrospective audit of 41 consecutive pterygium excisions performed by a single surgeon between November 2019 and February 2026 was undertaken.

All procedures involved pterygium excision with sutureless fibrin-glue assisted conjunctival limbal autograft transplantation, including limbal tissue with meticulous removal of Tenon’s tissue. Keratometric astigmatism and visual acuity were analysed where available.

Astigmatism analysis was available in 14 eyes with complete keratometric data. Mean corneal astigmatism reduced from 3.47 D pre-operatively to 1.56 D post-operatively, representing a mean reduction of 1.9 D. 

Visual acuity data were available for 40 pre-operative and 24 post-operative eyes. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.29 LogMAR to 0.26 LogMAR. 

Patients frequently reported symptomatic relief and improved visual function following surgery.

Pterygium excision with sutureless conjunctival limbal autografting resulted in substantial improvement in corneal optics, with nearly 2 dioptres reduction in corneal astigmatism.

These findings highlight the role of pterygium surgery in both ocular surface reconstruction and refractive visual rehabilitation.