Scleral melting 16 years after pterygium excision with topical Mitomycin C adjuvant therapy

Wan Norliza, W.M.; Raihan, I. Siti; Azwa, J. Azlyn; Ibrahim, M.

doi:10.1016/j.clae.2006.08.001

« Previous Next »Contact Lens & Anterior Eye
Volume 29, Issue 4 , Pages 165-167, September 2006

Scleral melting 16 years after pterygium excision with topical Mitomycin C adjuvant therapy

Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

published online 30 August 2006.

Abstract

Purpose

To report a case of scleral melting noted 16 years after pterygium excision with postoperative adjuvant topical Mitomycin C (MMC).

Method

Case report.

Results

A 61-year-old Malay gentleman underwent right nasal pterygium excision using bare sclera technique followed by topical MMC 0.1% for a week, 16 years ago. He was noted to have a right nasal scleral thinning with calcified plaque and granuloma. He was successfully treated conservatively without further progression of the scleral melting.

Conclusion

Long-term complication of pterygium excision with adjuvant topical Mitomycin C may occur. The case shows that early detection and recognition of the complication can be sight saving.

Keywords: Pterygium, Bare sclera technique, Mitomycin C, Scleral melting