AIM: To investigate the effect of pterygium excision combined with autologous limbal stem cell transplantation and drug treatment after the operation.

METHODS: A total of 980 eyes of 760 cases underwent pterygium excision, the conjunctival graft with stem cells was interrupted sutured in the limbal sclera planting beds and bulbar conjunctiva. One hundred and sixty-two eyes which relapse again were divided into 2 groups, group A: 1g/L mitomycin C+norfloxacin eye drops for 1-3 months; Group B: dexamethasone eye drops and diclofenac sodium eye drops for 1-3 months or more.

RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-two eyes which relapse again were divided into the A and B groups use different medication treatment, Group A: 67 eyes(81.7%)were curd, 12 eyes(14.6%)relapse again, 3 eyes(3.7%)recurrence. Group B: 35 eyes(43.8%)were cured, 29 eyes(36.3%)relapse again, 16 eyes(20.0%)recurrence. The recurrence rate of group A was significantly lower than that of group B(P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Pterygium excision combined with limbal stem cell transplantation without rejection, safe and effective, with low recurrence rate, postoperative eye drops is particularly important, which could effectively inhibit and reduce the recurrence rate and significantly improve the therapeutic effect.