The study of etiological and demographic characteristics of pterygium recurrence: A consecutive case series study from Pakistan

To determine the agents of recurrence, the demographic features, and the management and outcomes of pterygium cases treated at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi. This hospital-based descriptive study included 147 patients with pterygium (147 eyes) from both sexes, who presented at the Ophthalmology Department at AKUH between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2010. Data regarding their demographic profile and other factors were collected in a well-structured proforma. Data were analyzed using frequencies, proportions, group means, standard deviations, and Pearson's chi squared test. The male to female ratio in our study was 2:1, with factors such as younger age (<50 years) at presentation (P = 0.04, Pearson's chi squared test) and the presence of secondary pterygium (P = 0.050) correlated significantly with the recurrence of pterygium. There was a definite trend of decreased recurrence seen with lower grade of pterygium (P = 0.06). The recurrence rate in our study was 8.8 %. These results suggest that a younger age coupled with a higher grade of pterygium as well as a history of multiple recurrences leads to increased susceptibility of recurrence after surgical excision. Early diagnosis and appropriate management will lead to a better prognosis.