Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of the "hydro-fluorescein" adjunct technique for primary pterygium removal. DESIGN/METHODS: A non-randomized prospective study was conducted for various types of pterygium excision with superior bulbar conjunctival autograft (CAG) and fibrin glue. We introduced fluorescein staining to ensure thorough elimination of the Tenon tissue around the bare sclera area and the CAG. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate, and the secondary outcome was any complication associated with fluorescein staining. RESULTS: Ninety-three participants with primary pterygium of Grades 1-3 were recruited and all completed follow-up for at least 1 year. No recurrence was identified during the follow-up period and no long-term adverse reactions were reported with the "hydro-fluorescein" method. CONCLUSION: "Hydro-fluorescein" is effective and a safe adjunct in primary pterygium removal and is effective in various grades of pterygia to minimize recurrence with no adverse reaction within 1 year.