rss
Br J Ophthalmol 1980;64:496-505 doi:10.1136/bjo.64.7.496
  • Research Article

Late complications of pterygium treatment.

  1. K H Tarr and
  2. I J Constable

      Abstract

      Long-term complications of pterygium excision and beta irradiation in 63 eyes of 57 patients are described. The age of the patients at treatment ranged from 27 to 69 years (mean 48 +/- 11), and complications were assessed 3 to 20 years later (mean 12 +/- 3). The pterygia were excised, leaving bare sclera, and beta irradiation of total dose 750 to 5200 rads (mean 3475 +/- 916) was given, except in 7 patients who had repeated courses or overlapping fields of beta irradiation. Scleral ulceration was present in 51 eyes and sectorial lens opacities with normal visual acuity (VA) in 19 eyes. Radiation induced cataract occurred in 3 eyes, with reduced vision. Ptosis, symblepharon, and iris atrophy were also seen. Pseudomonas endophthalmitis occurred in 4 patients with scleral ulceration. Beta irradiation to prevent recurrence of pterygia is a significant cause of iatrogenic ocular disease. There is a need to modify the beta irradiation dosimetry at present in use.

      This Article

      1. Abstract
      2. PDF

      Responses

      1. Submit a response
      2. No responses published

      Social bookmarking

      Register for free content


      Free sample
       This recent issue is free to all users to allow everyone the opportunity to see the full scope and typical content of BJO.
      View free sample issue >>

      Free archive
      The full back archive is now available for BJO. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006, back to volume 1 issue 1.
      Register to access the free archive >>

      Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.