AIM: To investigate the efficacy of 1g/L topical cyclosporine A(tCsA)in preventing the recurrence of pterygium after pterygium excision and conjunctival flap rotation technique.

METHODS: Fifty-eight patients(58 eyes)with primary pterygium were included in this prospective study. All eyes were operated with pterygium excision and conjunctival flap rotation technique, and divided into treatment and control group according to whether be treated with 1g/L tCsA eye drops after operation. The operated patients were followed up for 1y to assess the recurrence of pterygium.

RESULTS: After surgery, the difference between the tCsA treatment and control group were statistically significant in the Schirmer I test results(9.93±1.59mm/5min vs 8.47±1.53mm/5min, P<0.001). The Schirmer Ⅰ test results increased after tCsA treatment for patients assigned to the treatment group. The pterygium recurred in 3 of 28 eyes(10%)in the treatment group and 11 of 30 eyes(39%)in the control group(P=0.029).

CONCLUSION: tCsA eye drops are safe and effective for medical treatment to reduce rates of recurrence after pterygium surgery.