Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane for Pterygium Surgery: Literature Review and Feasibility Assessment

Abstract

Pterygium is a common ocular disease caused by abnormal cellular proliferation leading to abnormal fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva. The main treatment is surgical removal; however , despite the improvement of surgical techniques and development of adjuvant therapies, post-operative recurrence, which can be as high as 89%, remains a challenge. Currently, pterygium exci-sion with conjunctival autograft remains the preferred surgical technique to decrease recurrence, especially when combined with ciclosporin eye drops. Nevertheless, there is no gold standard surgical technique to prevent pterygium recurrence. Therefore, this review aims to assess the safety, effectiveness and, applicability of platelet-rich fibrin membrane for primary pterygium surgery and assess its possible benefits in resource-limited settings.