Use of Novel Epithelium-Removing Device in Pterygium Surgery
Purpose
To demonstrate the use of a novel device (Epiclear, Orca, Israel) in pterygium surgery. The device is a PMMA double-pronged ‘shovel’ that allows for removal of corneal epithelium without injuring the Bowman’s layer.
Methods
With the aid of the Epiclear, the head of the pterygium is dissected from the cornea. The body of the pterygium is dissected and removed, and the Epiclear used to clean the limbal and Tenon area under the pterygium. The bare sclera is than covered with a conjunctival autograft.
Results
The use of the epithelium removing device allows for a smooth and anatomically correct removal of the pterygium from the corneal surface, without stromal injury or leaving scars. In our patient this resulted in a more even corneal topography, improved corrected distance acuity by one line, reduced astigmatism by 1 D, and better cosmesis.
Conclusion
Removing the pterygium head with a corneal epithelium removal device allows for excellent smoothing, less trauma to Bowman and stromal layers, with improved vision, refraction, astigmatism and corneal topography.