Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Corneal Astigmatic Correction Following Pterygium Excision by Bare Sclera Technique Versus Conjunctival Limbal Autograft: A Prospective Observational Study

ABSTRACT Background: Pterygium excision reconstitutes corneal topography and may reduce induced astigmatism, yet whether the magnitude of correction differs meaningfully between surgical techniques and pterygium grades remains insufficiently characterised. Aims and Objectives: To compare astigmatism reduction following bare sclera technique (BST) versus conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAG) across four pterygium grades. Study Design: Prospective observational comparative study.

Setting

Department of Ophthalmology, Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, Berhampore, West Bengal, India. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ninety-two adults with primary pterygium were allocated to BST (n = 96) or CLAG (n = 96). Grade was assigned per Verma et al. (Grade 1: 0–2 mm; Grade 2: 2–4 mm; Grade 3: 4–6 mm; Grade 4: 6–8 mm corneal encroachment from the limbus). Pre-operative and three-month post-operative keratometry (K1, K2) and corneal astigmatism were recorded. Statistics: Within-group comparisons employed the paired t-test; between-group comparisons the independent t-test; p<0.05 denoted significance.