AIM: To investigate the method and observe effectiveness of autologous limbal stem cell transplantation combined with amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of recurrent pterygium.

METHODS: Medical records of all patients with recurrent pterygium treated by autologous limbal stem cell transplantation combined with amniotic membrane transplantation from January 2010 through June 2011 were retrospectively analyzed, and the recurrent rate was observed.

RESULTS: Totally 30 cases(32 eyes)were analyzed. The followed up time was 12 to 24 months, mean 16 months. In all eyes, 30 were transparent or only left a little corneal nebula, without new blood vessels, recurrence occurred in 2 eyes, and the recurrent rate was 6%.

CONCLUSION: Autologous limbal stem cell transplantation combined with amniotic membrane transplantation is a safe and effective method for recurrent pterygium.