Developments and current approaches in the treatment of pterygium.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare the studies conducted in the literature with recurrence rates and the summary of the justified treatment approaches be presented. METHOD: Pterygium, a fibrovascular tissue that proceeds from the bulbar conjunctiva towards the cornea, is quite a commonly seen ocular surface deterioration. The treatment is performed through a surgical excision, and the frequent recurrence of this disorder, despite the developments of today, is the major problem experienced in the wake of the surgery. There are various treatment methods applied for the prevention of recurrence; yet, there is no definite view as to what treatment is the most effective one. Since the recurrent pterygium cases are more aggressive than the primary pterygium, it is of great importance to determine the treatment method in which recurrence rate is the lowest. In different studies seen in the literature, there is difficulty in comparing the results due to the fact that the follow-up periods, recurrence criteria and the doses and durations of the medications administered differ from one another. CONCLUSION: When the literature is reviewed, the bare sclera technique is not used due to the high rate of recurrence, whereas successful results can be achieved through the conjunctival autograft technique. Lower recurrence rates have been reported along with the administration of mitomycin C, 5-FU and other agents that were used as an adjuvant treatment.

The effectiveness and reliability of posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide injection in branch retinal vein occlusion-related macular edema.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and reliability of posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) application in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-related macular edema. METHODS: Patients with confirmed BRVO-related macular edema were enrolled in the study. Patients were injected with a single, therapeutic dose of 40 mg PSTA. Detailed ophthalmic examination was performed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), cataractogenic change (CC) and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis results were evaluated. The results were compared statistically. RESULTS: Forty-one eyes of 41 patients with a mean age of 63.49 ± 10.99 (55-86) years, 15 (36.6%) females, were included in the study. BCVA in LogMAR values at 1 and 3 months were significantly better than at baseline, while no significant difference from baseline was observed in sixth month values (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.846, respectively). Central macular thickness values obtained using OCT were significantly lower at the first, third and sixth months compared to baseline (p < 0.001 for all). IOP elevation was determined in only two eyes (4.8%) at the end of the study period, and no CC was detected in any case. CONCLUSION: PSTA application is an effective and safe option in BRVO-related macular edema.