AIM:To investigate the clinical effect of 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) on the treatment of early recurrent pterygium.METHODS:Forty-eight case with recurrent pterygium were treated with 5-FU by subconjunctival injection.The intraocular pressure and anterior chamber reaction were observed in the regular follow-up.RESULTS:The treated patients with early recurrent pterygium were followed up for 6-24 months.Patients that were cured or with evident effect was 30 cases,effect 12 cases,invalid 6 cases.2 cases were with constriction of conjunctival sac,6 cases were performed operation again because of the disease progress.The shedding of corneal epithelial was healing 48 hours after withdrawl of drug.CONCLUSION:The subconjunctival injection of 5-FU is a useful method for the treatment of early recurrent pterygium.