In this study we evaluated the changes in tear film after primary pterygium operation in patients with pterygium.

We investigated 43 eyes of 42 subjects who showed successful results 3 months after pterygium operation performed by one surgeon. The changes in tear film thickness, tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer I test, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were evaluated. All values were compared before and after surgery.

The mean age was 58.0 ± 11.1 years (34-81 years). Preoperative tear film thickness, tear BUT, and Schirmer I test in eyes which underwent pterygium operation were 21.53 ± 5.93 µm, 4.84 ± 2.21 seconds, and 11.67 ± 6.75 mm, respectively. Three months after the operation, the respective values were 24.23 ± 4.19 µm ( p < 0.05), 5.81 ± 1.89 seconds ( p < 0.05), and 13.02 ± 7.54 mm ( p = 0.094). Tear film thickness and BUT score increased significantly after pterygium operation. There was no statistically significant difference in Schirmer I test, before and 3 months after pterygium operation. The subjective parameter (OSDI) improved 3 months after pterygium operation ( p = 0.015).

Pterygium operation can partially restore the tear film function into a normal state by improving tear film thickness and tear BUT after pterygium operation.