AIM: To observe the changes of preoperative and postoperative tear film in the surgical treatment for pterygium by pterygium excision combined with autologous limbus epithelial transplantation, and analyse the influence of pterygium on the function of tear film.

METHODS: A total of 24 cases(24 eyes)of pterygium underwent pterygium excision combined with autologous limbus epithelial transplantation. All patients were measured by Schirmer test and tear film break-up test(BUT)on 1 day before operation, 1 month and 2 months after operation respectively.

RESULTS: The result of Schirmer test were 15.5±7.81mm, 15.76±7.39mm and 16.00±8.05mm, and BUT were 8.15±3.611, 10.05±3.03, and 10.50±4.26 seconds on 1 day before operation, 1 month and 2 months after operation respectively. The difference of BUT had statistical significance between preoperation and postoperation(P<0.05), but there was no significant change in Schirmer test in different time(P >0.05).

CONCLUSION: The form of the ocular surface and the stability of tear film were restored by pterygium excision combined with autologous limbus epithelial transplantation.