Dry-Eye Disease in Recurrent Pterygium

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to investigate the degree of inflammation and dry-eye disease (DED) in recurrent pterygium. Methods: Fifty-five patients with a history of pterygium excision were divided into 3 groups – Group 1: no recurrence after the first excision; Group 2: recurrence after the first excision; Group 3: no recurrence after the second excision. Dry-eye symptoms and tear production were elicited for each patient. Results: A high prevalence of DED was observed in patients with primary and recurrent pterygium based on self-reported dry-eye symptoms (63.6%) and an abnormal Schirmer test result (78.1%). There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.025) in the Schirmer test values between patients with (5.6 mm) and without (11.4 mm) recurrence after surgery for primary pterygium. Patients who were cured after a second excision had an improved Schirmer test value (9.5 mm), although this was not significant. Conclusion: Pterygium recurrence is associated with a greater severity of dry eye, possibly by perpetuating ocular surface inflammation in the postoperative period.