Given the significance and potential risks associated with Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN) and the importance of its differentiation from other conditions, we aimed to develop a Deep Learning (DL) model differentiating OSSN from pterygium (PTG) using slit photographs. A dataset comprising slit photographs of 162 patients including 77 images of OSSN and 85 images of PTG was assembled. After manual segmentation of the images, a Python-based transfer learning approach utilizing the EfficientNet B7 network was employed for automated image segmentation. GoogleNet, a pre-trained neural network was used to categorize the images into OSSN or PTG. To evaluate the performance of our DL model, K-Fold 10 Cross Validation was implemented, and various performance metrics were measured. There was a statistically significant difference in mean age between the OSSN (63.23 ± 13.74 years) and PTG groups (47.18 ± 11.53) (P-value =.000). Furthermore, 84.41% of patients in the OSSN group and 80.00% of the patients in the PTG group were male. Our classification model, trained on automatically segmented images, demonstrated reliable performance measures in distinguishing OSSN from PTG, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 98%, sensitivity, F1 score, and accuracy of 94%, and a Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 88%. This study presents a novel DL model that effectively segments and classifies OSSN from PTG images with a relatively high accuracy. In addition to its clinical use, this model can be potentially used as a telemedicine application.

Simple SummaryCancer is able to damage the surface of the eye, especially in countries like Australia with high exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Such cancer (ocular surface squamous neoplasia or OSSN) is similar in appearance to a common and benign eye disease called pterygium. Currently, eye biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic method for OSSN, which is traumatic for the patient, carries risks, and has been potentially unnecessary in patients diagnosed with pterygium only. This research introduces an imaging-based method for OSSN screening, which will reduce pressure on health resources—and hopefully eliminate the need for eye biopsy in cases of suspected OSSN.In this study, differentiation of pterygium vs. ocular surface squamous neoplasia based on multispectral autofluorescence imaging technique was investigated. Fifty (N = 50) patients with histopathological diagnosis of pterygium (PTG) and/or ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) were recruited. Fixed unstained biopsy specimens were imaged by multispectral microscopy. Tissue autofluorescence images were obtained with a custom-built fluorescent microscope with 59 spectral channels, each with specific excitation and emission wavelength ranges, suitable for the most abundant tissue fluorophores such as elastin, flavins, porphyrin, and lipofuscin. Images were analyzed using a new classification framework called fused-classification, designed to minimize interpatient variability, as an established support vector machine learning method. Normal, PTG, and OSSN regions were automatically detected and delineated, with accuracy evaluated against expert assessment by a specialist in OSSN pathology. Signals from spectral channels yielding signals from elastin, flavins, porphyrin, and lipofuscin were significantly different between regions classified as normal, PTG, and OSSN (p < 0.01). Differential diagnosis of PTG/OSSN and normal tissue had accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 88 ± 6%, 84 ± 10% and 91 ± 6%, respectively. Our automated diagnostic method generated maps of the reasonably well circumscribed normal/PTG and OSSN interface. PTG and OSSN margins identified by our automated analysis were in close agreement with the margins found in the H&E sections. Such a map can be rapidly generated on a real time basis and potentially used for intraoperative assessment.

Background. Nail lichen planus is considered to be rare in children. Information about its prognosis is lacking. Objectives. To review the epidemiological and clinical features, response to treatment and follow-up of 12 children with nail lichen planus. Methods. Retrospective study involving 12 children younger than 16 years with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of nail lichen planus, seen from April 2006 to December 2019 at outpatient consultation for nail disorders of the Department of Dermatology of the University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco. Results. Data on 12 children were collected, with an average age of 10.6 years (8-16 years). A male preponderance was observed (7/12). The mean duration of the disease was about 16 months. None of the children had skin or mucosal lesions of lichen planus. In all nail lichen planus cases, nail bed involvement was associated with nail matrix damage. In all cases nail biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide was used in all patients. Apart from the patients with pterygium, most of the children improved. Conclusions. Because of the risk of permanent scarring in nail lichen planus, early diagnosis is essential. Nail biopsy is a relatively simple, safe and useful procedure with a minimal scarring risk, even in children. Treatment should be implemented immediately.

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of endostatin (ES) and angiostatin (AS) in pterygium. Methods From January 2016 to December 2018, 60 cases (60 eyes) of pterygium tissue and 60 cases (60 eyes) of normal human conjunctival tissue were selected from the eye surgery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yiwu.HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of pterygium and normal conjunctival tissue.Western blot was used to measure ES and AS protein levels in the tissues of pterygium group and control group. Results HE staining showed that in the normal bulbar conjunctival tissue, the stromal layer was connective tissue and the epithelial layer was columnar epithelium; in the pterygium, the basal layer had a large number of new blood vessels, fibroblasts, collagen fibers, and inflammatory cells infiltrated around the blood vessels; the epithelium showed different degrees of hyperplasia.The protein levels of ES and AS in pterygium tissues[(0.35±0.12), (0.62±0.17)] were higher than those in the control group [(0.13±0.08), (0.16±0.09)](t=11.816, 18.524, P=0.000, 0.000). The protein levels of ES and AS in the pterygium tissues of the recurrent group [(0.63±0.15), (0.87±0.21)] were higher than those in the initial group [(0.22±0.11), (0.45±0.16)](t=17.073, 12.323, P=0.000, 0.000). There was positive correlation between ES and AS in pterygium (r=0.571, P=0.000). Conclusion The levels of ES and AS in pterygium tissue are increased, and ES and AS may be involved in the occurrence and recurrence of pterygium. Key words: Pterygium; Inhibins; Angiostatins; Endothelial cells; Recurrence

Objective To investigate the effects of amniotic membrane transplantation combined with retrograde excision on visual function and corneal astigmatism in patients with pterygium. Methods A total of 130 patients with pterygium treated in Liaocheng Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2016 to April 2018 were selected as research objects. And they were divided into control group and observation group according to the random number table method, with 65 cases in each group. The control group received retrograde resection, and the observation group received amniotic membrane transplantation on the basis of treatment of the control group. The visual function and corneal astigmatism were compared between the two groups. Results The visual function level of the observation group (0.78±0.56) was higher than that of the control group (0.49±0.26) 3 months after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (t=3.787, P<0.01). The observation group had higher corneal astigmatism than the control group, (0.75±0.43)D vs. (1.05±0.48)D, 3 months after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (t=3.753, P<0.01). Conclusions Amniotic membrane transplantation combined with retrograde excision is effective in the clinical treatment of pterygium patients, which can effectively improve the visual function, reduce the corneal astigmatism, and improve the visual prognosis of patients. Key words: Pterygium; Amniotic membrane transplantation; Retrograde resection; Visual function; Corneal astigmatism

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of using autologous cryoprecipitate for attaching conjunctival autograft and to compare the results of such technique with the use of vicryl sutures in patients undergoing primary pterygium excision, in terms of surgical time, postoperative patient comfort, visual acuity, complications, and recurrence rate. Patients and methods This is a prospective, interventional, comparative clinical study. It included 200 patients with primary nasal pterygium for whom surgical excision of the pterygium with conjunctival autograft obtained from the same eye was performed. The patients were divided into two groups: autologous cryoprecipitate was used in 100 patients (glue group) and absorbable sutures (8/0 vicryl sutures) were used in 100 patients (suture group) to attach the free conjunctival graft. The main outcome measures included operative time, postoperative pain, lacrimation, foreign body sensation, recurrence rate, and complications. The follow-up period was 24 months. Results The mean operative time was 20.28±2.73 min in the glue group and 31.04±6.52 min in the suture group, with a statistically significant difference (P Conclusion Using autologous cryoprecipitate for attaching conjunctival autograft in primary pterygium surgery resulted in shorter operative time and less postoperative pain, foreign body sensation, lacrimation, and subconjunctival hemorrhage. In addition, it decreased the recurrence rate. The cryoprecipitate method appeared to be effective, reliable, and safe after long-term follow-up.

Objective To identify micro RNA-122(miR-122)differentially expressed in pterygium and investigate the potential role of miR-122 in the pathogenesis of pterygium. Methods Quantitative RT-PCR was used toidentifythe expression of miR-122 in pterygium tissue. The expression of CREB1, a predicted target of miR-122, and its correlation with the expression of miR-122, were detected in both pterygium and normal conjunctiva. The pterygium epithelial cells were isolated, cultured and then transfected with miR-122 mimic or miR-122 inhibitor respectively, to change miR-122 levels. The regulation of CREB1 expression by miR-122 was examined with luciferase activity assay, RT-PCR and Western blot. We also tested the protein levels of P53 and P21 by Western blot. The effect of the miR-122 on the apoptosis of cultured pterygium epithelial cells was investigated with AO/EB staining and caspase activity assay. Results The expression of CREB1was significantly increased, and it is inversely related to the expression of miR-122 in pterygium, especially in the superficial layer of epithelium(P=0.031). In cultured pterygium epithelial cells, miR-122 could specifically bind to CREB1 3′UTR and negatively regulatethe expression of CREB1(P=0.033). Suppression of miR-122 could reduce apoptosis and caspase activity, and this effect was abolished by inhibition of the expression of CREB1 with specific siRNA(P=0.028, 0.029). Conclusion The decreased expression of miR-122 in pterygium possibly results in abnormal cell apoptosis via its regulation of the expression of CREB1, and subsequently contributes to the development of pterygium. Key words: Pterygium; Apoptosis; miR-122; CREB1

Objective To analyze the clinical manifestations and pathological features of granuloma after pterygium surgery. Methods The pathological and clinical data of 7 cases of granuloma after pterygium operation in Urumqi Purui Eye Hospital and Xinjiang Military Region General Hospital from Nov.2013 to Mar.2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Granulomas occurred in 20 days-1 month after surgery, among which 6 cases grew in the suture space of conjunctival flap, and 1 case was located in the 12: 00 flap area. Pathological macroexamination showed round grey-red tissue with smooth surface and small protrusions on some surfaces. There were granulomatous hyperplasia with numerous microvascular sections and proliferation of leukocytes, lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Conclusion Granuloma after pterygium surgery mostly occurs at the suture site of conjunctival transplantation during operation, which can be prevented by tight suture of conjunctival flap. The pathologic features are a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue and a large number of new vessels in the tissue, which is consistent with the diagnosis of inflammatory granulation tissue hyperplasia. Key words: Surgery, pterygium; Hyperplasia, granulation tissue; Cause; Pathology

Objetivo: Identificar diferenças refratométricas antes e após a exérese de pterígio e o período aproximado para estabilização do grau e acuidade visual em pacientes do Hospital Universitário Bettina Ferro de Souza (HUBFS) no período de abril a agosto de 2017, correspondendo ao melhor momento para a correção óptica. Método: Foi avaliado a acuidade visual, grau e localização do pterígio de 38 pacientes submetidos a exérese de pterígio no HUBFS, antes e após 1, 7 e 30 dias pós cirurgia. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de aplicação de questionário sócio-demográfico e formulário para preenchimento médico no pré-operatório e pós-operatório mediante ao preenchimento prévio do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido (TCLE). Resultados: Observou-se que os pacientes tiveram o seguinte perfil sócio-epidemiológico: idade média de 45,8±13,9 anos, sendo 52,6% mulheres, de localização nasal (84,2%), com predomínio daqueles com Graus II e III, por fim somente 7,9% eram pterígios recidivados, além disso, os pterígios de graus III e IV tiveram maior variação em seu perfil refratométrico após a excisão, chegando a uma variação média máxima de 6,88 dioptrias de equivalente esférico. Conclusão: O período menor que 30 dias após a exérese do pterígio não é o suficiente para receitar óculos devido a grande variação na refratometria nos pacientes pós cirúrgicos.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of pterygium excision combined with pedicled conjunctival flap transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 126 eyes of 107 patients of pterygium from Dec.2015 to Nov.2016 were analyzed retrospectively and all cases were divided into 2 groups randomly. Group A, 60 eyes of 50 patients, were treated with pterygium excision. Group B, 66 eyes of 57 cases, were treated with pterygium excision combining pedicled conjunctival flap transplantation. The follow-up time was 1 year. Results The healing time of group B was shorter than that of group A, the cure rate of group B was higher than that of group A, the recurrence rate and complication rate of group B were lower than those of group A, the difference were statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.000, 0.032, 0.014, 0.017). The visual acuity of both groups after surgery were better than that before surgery (P=0.000). The difference of visual acuity at any time after surgery were not significant between the two groups (P=0.246, 0.113, 1.000, 0.164). At 6 months after surgery, there was no significant difference in BUT between the two groups (P=0.071). BUT of group B at 1 year after surgery were longer than that of group A (P=0.000). Conclusion Pterygium excision combined with pedicled conjunctival flap transplantation is benefit to improve the cure rate, maintain stable tear film, and prevent recurrence after operation. Key words: Pterygium; Surgery; Flap, conjunctival, pedicle, autologous

Popliteal pterygium syndrome (PPS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. The clinical features of the syndrome are highly variable defects, often manifested as facial, limb, vulva and other deformities. IRF6(interferon regulatory factor 6, IRF6), as an important factor in the development of the oromaxillo-facial region, its mutation is significantly correlated with PPS. In this article, we would discuss the latest research progress of the correlation between the two based on the clinical realisation of PPS, structure and function of IRF6 gene. Key words: Popliteal pterygium syndrome; IRF6; Gene mutation

Objective To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for pterygium among people aged 50 years and above in Funing County, Jiangsu Province. Methods A cluster random sampling method was performed, the subjects aged 50 years or above were randomly selected from 30 survey sites in Funing County, Jiangsu Province.Questionnaires, visual acuity tests, the examinations of eye surface, anterior segment, fundus examinations were conducted.Pterygium was diagnosed and graded clinically by slit lamp examination.The risk factors were acquired from questionnaires and analyzed by the multivariate logistic regression analysis.This study protocol was approved by Ethic Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (NO.2010-05). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to entering study cohort. Results A total of 6 145 persons aged 50 years and above were enumerated, and actually 5 947 (96.8%) participants were examined.Among them, 1 950 cases were diagnosed as pterygium in either eye and 1 228 cases were diagnosed as pterygium in binoculus, which was equivalent to the 32.79%[95% confidence interval(CI): 31.60%-33.98%] of pterygium in either eye and 20.65% (95% CI: 19.62%-21.68%) in bilateral pterygium.Among 2 467 male subjects, 838 were diagnosed as pterygium(33.97%, 95% CI: 32.10%-35.84%). Among 3 480 female subjects, 1 112 were diagnosed as pterygium (31.95%, 95% CI: 30.40%-33.51%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of pterygium between genders (P=0.135). Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that, older age (50~ 0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of pterygium in Funing County is 32.79% in people aged 50 years and above.The high prevalence of pterygium may be associated with older age, low education level and long outdoor work time. Key words: Pterygium; Prevalence; Epidemiology; Risk factor; Jiangsu Eye Study

Objective To evaluated the prevalence of pterygium among people aged ≥40 in China by using Meta analysis. Methods A literature retrieval was performed in China biology medicine disc(CBMdisc), China national knowledge infrastructure(CNKI), VIP database, WanFang database, PubMed, excerpta medica database (EMBASE), Web of Science from 1990 to 2016 according to designed searching strategy.Tailored quality evaluation standard of epidemiological research was used to evaluate the study quality of each included study.Stata 13.0 software was used to estimate the prevalence of pterygium, subgroup analysis of age, sex and region was also carried out. Results Thirty-six studies were involved in this Meta analysis, including 8 English researches and 28 Chinese researches.The random effect model was used to merge 36 research data.The prevalence of pterygium among people aged over 40 in China was 13.4% [95% confidence interval(CI): 10.6%-16.5%]. Subgroup analysis results showed that the prevalence of pterygium increased with age.The prevalence of pterygium in rural region was 15.3%(95%CI: 12.1%-18.8%), which was higher than 4.0% (95%CI: 2.4%-6.1%) in urban region.The prevalence of pterygium among rural people aged ≥40 was 12.1%(95%CI: 8.6%-16.2%), which was lower than 14.7%(95%CI: 10.5%-19.5%) among rural people aged ≥50.The highest prevalence of pterygium in different age and sex subgroups was in the west region of China, followed by the east region of China and the lowest was in the central region of China. Conclusion The prevalence of pterygium among people aged ≥40 in China was high.Over the past decade, the prevalence of pterygium were different among different ages, and places of residence. Key words: Pterygium; Prevalence; China; Epidemiology; Meta-analysis

Effect of autologous limbal stem cell transplantation on visual quality and tear film function in patients with pterygium

Objective To explore the application effect of amelioration of pterygium combined with free autogenous conjunctival flap transplantation in patients with primary pterygium. Methods 90 cases (90 eyes) of primary pterygium treated in our hospital were grouped according to random number table. 45 cases in control group were treated with traditional pterygium excision, and 45 cases in observation group were treated with pterygium combined with free autogenous conjunctival flap transplantation. The operative condition (length of operation, incision size, blood loss during operation, healing time of corneal epithelium), the effect of operation and corneal astigmatism [corneal dispersion (CAD)], naked eye [uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA)] and tear film rupture time [break up time (BUT)] before and after operation were observed and compared. The incidence of complications, recurrence rate and quality of life (SF-36) before and after operation were compared between the two groups. Results The incision size, operative time, intraoperative blood loss and corneal epithelial healing time in the observation group were smaller than those in the control group (P 0.05). The complication rate in the observation group was 2.22% (1/45), which was lower than that in the control group 17.78% (8/45) (P<0.05). The recurrence rate of the observation group was 2.22% (1/45), which was lower than that of the control group 17.78%(8/45) (P<0.05). 3 months after operation, the SF-36 scores of the two groups were all higher than those before operation, and the SF-36 score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group 3 months after operation (P<0.05). Conclusions Free autogenous conjunctival flap transplantation combined with amelioration of pterygium can improve corneal astigmatism and visual function of the patients with primary pterygium, and promote corneal epithelial healing, with small incision, less bleeding and longer operation, which can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and the recurrence rate, and help to improve the quality of life of the patients. Key words: Pterygium; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures; Conjunctiva; Transplantation, autologous

Objective To analyze the etiological composition and characteristics of distribution of inpatients in Department of Ophthalmology. Methods The medical records of inpatients, mainly including demographic characteristics and disease types were analyzed. Results Male to female ratio was 1.2∶1, most of patients were farmers. The top five common diseases were cataract in 973 cases (29.69%), followed by retinopathy in 459 cases (14.01%), ocular trauma in 449 cases (13.70%), silicone oil eyes in 207 cases (6.32%) and pterygium in 191 cases (5.83%). The main types of cataract included senile cataract (81.91%), complicated cataract (12.30%) and traumatic cataract (4.77%). The main types of ocular trauma were contusion (31.85%), perforating injury (23.85%), contusion and laceration of eye appendages (20.27%). The ocular trauma mainly was caused by sharps and plants, and the male prevalence rate was 4.22 times of that of female.The total effective rate was 96.14%, and the total monocular blindness rate was 27.79%. Conclusion Senile cataract is the most common inpatient eye disease in the region. It should increase the screening ability of middle - aged and elderly people over 40 years old. Ocular trauma is a serious hazard to the eyes and can be prevented if effective preventive measures are taken. Key words: Inpatients; Trauma, ocular; Epidemiology

The nail pterygium is a cutaneous branch that starts from the skin of the matrix and protrudes on the nail plate making disappear the proximal nail fold. Pterygium follows a violent inflammation that results in a fibrotic process leading to the fusion between the nail fold and the underlying nail bed. The fibrotic band prevents the normal growth of the nail plate which then appears dystrophic or is completely destroyed (2). Lichen planus is the disease most frequently associated with pterygium (1). However, the latter has also been described in association with systemic sclerosis, graft versus host disease, leprosy, porokeratosis, trachyonychia, sarcoidosis and autoimmune bullous disorders; the traumas can be reponsible for pterygium as in the actual case; however, there is also an idiopathic form in which no obvious cause can be found. Early systemic corticosteroid therapy is the most effective.

Objective To study the correlation between pterygium area and the clinical manifestation and signs of primary pterygium obtained from OCULUS Keratograph. Methods A prospective case observation study was performed.Thirty-nine (55 eyes) primary pterygium patients were selected from June to September 2016 in Zhongshan People's Hospital.The area of the pterygium invaded cornea and duration of pterygium were recorded.The ocular surface condition was detected by corneal fluorescein staining.The break up time of tear film (BUT) and the gland function score were measured with OCULUS Keratograph.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan People's Hospital(2015[13]). All operations followed the Helsinki Declaration and all patients signed informed consent forms. Results The areas of pterygium invaded cornea was 2-20 mm2, the mean size was 5(3, 10)mm2; the duration of pterygium was 3-8 years, the mean duration was 5(4, 6)years; the BUT was 2.1-15.0 seconds, the mean BUT was (6.3±3.0) seconds.The mean gland function score was 2(1, 3). The area of pterygium was not significantly correlated with the duration of pteryguim (r=0.197, P=0.148), while it was negatively correlated with BUT (r=-0.711, P<0.001 ) and positively correlated with the tarsal gland score (r=0.554, P<0.001). What's more, 82% (45/55 eyes) of the patients' tear film rupture appeared firstly near pterygium's head. Conclusion OCULUS Keratograph can directly evaluate the ocular surface condition of pterygium patients in a non-contact and non-invasive method.Assessing the ocular surface damage by observing the area of pterygium invaded cornea may provide a prospective treatment for pterygium patients. Key words: Pterygium; OCULUS Keratograph; Break up time of tear film

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of rapamycin, an mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway inhibitor, on the proliferation, migration and fibrosis of human pterygium fibroblasts (PFBs). Methods Pterygium tissues were collected from patients with primary pterygium who underwent surgical excision in Shenyang Fourth People's Hospital from May to July 2015.The tissues were cultured in vitro and the PFBs were identified by anti-human vimentin immunofluorescence assay.The 3 to 5 generation cells were used for the experiments.The viability of cells treated with different concentrations of rapamycin was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The cells were divided into normal control group and rapamycin group, and the scratch wound healing test was used to evaluate migration of the PFBs.The expressions of MKI67, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, caspase3, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and LC3B mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Results The cultured cells showed morphology of long spindle and were vimentin immunopositive.The cell viability in rapamycin treated PFBs demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease.At 24 hours after culture, The cell viability in 30 μmol/L rapamycin group was (76.67±8.84)% of that in 0 μmol/L rapamycin group (P<0.001). The relative residual scratch width in 30 μmol/L rapamycin group was (35.40±11.62)% 48 hours after scratch, which was significantly greater than (2.45±0.76)% in the normal control group (P<0.05). Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the mRNA expressions of MKI67, α-SMA, fibronectin and mTOR in rapamycin group were significantly decreased when compared with those in normal control group (all at P<0.05). The expression of LC3B mRNA in rapamycin group was significantly higher than that in normal control group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of caspase3 was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.861). Conclusions Rapamycin can effectively inhibit the proliferation, migration and fibrosis of PFBs without affecting the cell survival.Detailed mechanism remains to be further studied.Rapamycin may serve as an anti-fibrosis agent to prevent the progression and recurrence of pterygium in the future. Key words: Pterygium; Fibroblasts; Rapamycin; Anti-fibrosis

Objective: To study the effect of bandage corneal contact lenses after pterygium surgery. Methods: This was a case-control study. Patients with an excised pterygium combined with autologous corneal limbal stem cell transplantation were selected at Tiantai People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province between February and June 2017. Patients were divided into two groups based on postoperative treatment: Experimental group was treated with autologous corneal limbal stem cell transplants combined with bandage corneal contact lenses, control group had routine treatment by covering the eyes after autologous limbal stem cell transplantation. There were 20 patients (20 eyes) in each group. After the operation, corneal irritation symptoms and healing time for the corneal epithelium were observed in the two groups. The data were compared using a t test, and a rank sum test. Results: The pain scores of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than the pain scores in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (2 hours postoperative: Z=-3.986, P<0.001; 1 day postoperative: Z=-3.153, P=0.002; 2 days postoperative: Z=-3.216, P=0.001; 3 days postoperative: Z=-2.377, P=0.017; 5 days postoperative: Z=-2.333, P=0.020). The recovery time for the corneal epithelium stained with fluorescein after surgery was clearly shortened in the experimental group, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=-3.714, P<0.001). No infection, recurrence, poor implant healing, subconjunctival cyst or other complications occurred after 2 to 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions: The application of bandage corneal contact lenses after pterygium surgery can relieve pain and irritation symptoms in patients, promote postoperative recovery, reduce the postoperative recurrence rate and improve postoperative quality of life. Key words: pterygium; bandage corneal contact lenses; comforting level