AIM: To compare the efficiency and safety of fibrin glue to suture technique in pterygium surgery performed with limbal autograft.

METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial was carried out in 60 eyes of 48 patients operated for primary nasal pterygium. Autologous limbal graft taken from the superotemporal limbus was used to cover the sclera after pterygium excision under local anesthesia with 2% lidocaine. In 22 cases(30 eyes), the transplant was attached to the sclera with a fibrin tissue adhesive(group 1)and in 26 cases(30 eyes)with 10-0 Virgin silk sutures(group 2). Patients were followed up at least for 3 months. Time of operation, matching degree of graft and visual analogue scale(VAS)score were mainly observed and recorded.

RESULTS: Patient symptoms were significantly less and biomicroscopic findings were better in group 1. Pterygium recurrence was seen in 1 case of group 1, and 1 case of group 2. Average surgery time was shorter(P<0.01)in fibrin group.

CONCLUSION: Using fibrin glue for graft fixation in pterygium surgery causes significantly less postoperative pain and shortens surgery time significantly.