AIM: To compare the effect of platelet-rich fibrin(PRF)grafts and conjunctival-limbal autografts in pterygium excision.

METHODS: Totally 62 cases(62 eyes)of primary pterygium were randomly divided into group 1(32 eyes)and group 2(30 eyes). After pterygium excision, conjunctival-limbal autografts was performed in group 1 and PRF grafts was performed in group 2. PRF was prepared by centrifugation and compression of venous blood from patients before the surgery. The follow-up period was 6mo. The surgery time, complications and recurrence rate were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: The operation time of group 1 and group 2 were 27.3±4.3min and 22.0±4.0min respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups(t=4.990, P<0.01). Conjunctival granuloma developed only in one eye in group 2 after the surgery, and there was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2(P=0.484). Pterygium recurred in one eye in group 1 and in one eye in group 2. There was also no significant difference in recurrence rate between group 1 and group 2(P=1.000). There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between group 1 with 14.69±2.44mmHg and group 2 with 14.96±2.93mmHg before the surgery(t=0.399, P=0.691). As well, there was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between group 1 with 14.68±1.65mmHg and group 2 with 15.11±2.12mmHg after the surgery(t=0.888, P=0.378). The dissolution time of PRF membrane in PRF grafts group was 3.5±0.8d.

CONCLUSION: The use of PRF in pterygium surgery is safe, effective, easier and timesaving. It's a promising method for clinical application.