AIM: To observe the efficacy of pterygium excision combined with autologous limbal stem cell transplantation for pterygium in Uygur.

METHODS: A total of 163 Uighur cases(180 eyes)with pterygium underwent pterygium excision combined with limbal stem cell transplantation. Recurrence rate of pterygium was recorded after surgery.

RESULTS: All 163 cases got successfully surgery. And they were followed up for 6-48 months with no pterygium recurrent 12-month after surgery, 1 eye(0.6%), 6 eyes(3.3%)and 9 eyes(5%)recurred at 18, 24 and 48 months, respectively. The total recurrence rate was 8.9%(16/180).

CONCLUSION:Pterygium excision combined with autologous limbal stem cell transplantation is an ideal surgical method for pterygium in Uygur, for its fewer complications and low recurrence rate.