Vascular Regression After Pinguecula Excision and Conjunctival Autograft Using Fibrin Glue

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the change in local vascularization after pinguecula excision and conjunctival autograft secured with fibrin glue at 12 months. Methods: Thirty-one eyes of 31 patients which underwent excision and conjunctival autografting with fibrin glue were retrospectively reviewed. Anterior segment photography was obtained before and after the surgery. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated by patient self-grading (five-point scale; excellent (5), good (4), acceptable (3), poor (2), and very poor (1)), and medical evaluation of treatment outcome was based on subjective evaluation of vascularization on anterior segment photography (four-point severity scale; 0 [low] to 3 [high]). Clinical outcome and complications are reported at 12 months. Results: Overall cosmetic results were excellent or good in 93.5% (29 of 31) (score 4.68 +/- 0.60). Anterior segment photography showed that most cases demonstrated complete removal of pinguecula and regression of surrounding vascularization with mean change in score from 2.13 +/- 0.34 pre-operatively to 0.09 +/- 0.30 postoperatively. Conclusions: Pinguecula excision and conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue is an effective and safe method to remove pinguecula for cosmetic purposes. The method presented facilitated regression of vascularization.