Posters

Effects of high-concentration sodium hyaluronate on healing rate of corneal epithelial defect after pterygium surgery

Poster Details

First Author: W.Chaidaroon THAILAND

Co Author(s):    N. Satayawut                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The study aimed to investigate the effects of high concentrated sodium hyaluronate (HA) on corneal epithelial defect after pterygium surgery in comparison with the control group, in terms of healing rate of corneal epithelium defect and pain score after surgery.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Methods:

Twenty patients with primary pterygium were randomized into either the 1.8% HA or the control groups. Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations were performed including an area of corneal epithelium defect measured by computer software and pain score assessment (after the operation, and post-operative day 1, day 2, and day 3).

Results:

The comparison of mean healing rate between the HA group and the control group   were as follows: 2.81 ±0.87 vs2.56±0.94 % per hour (at post-operative day1, P=0.45); 1.41± 0.88 vs1.29 ±1.19 % per hour (at day2, P=0.60); and 0.21± 0.96 vs0.49± 0.47 % per hour (at day3, P =0.12). The average pain score evaluated immediately after the operation was 7.7± 2.21 vs6.67 ± 3.57 (HA group vs control group, P=0.67). In subgroup analysis, the small epithelial defect (< 10% of the total area) treated with HA demonstrated 100% healing at postoperative day 2, compared to the control group (P=0.08).

Conclusions:

Sodium hyaluronate tended to accelerate the healing process of corneal epithelium after pterygium operation, especially in small epithelium defect. The high concentration HA did not cause any uncomfortable feeling in the eye. However, the clinical applications of sodium hyaluronate in post-pterygium excision wound requires further study.

Financial Disclosure:

None