Results of Fibrin Glue Applied Over the Corneal Surface Immediately After Pterygium Surgery: A Novel Pain Relief Technique

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the use of fibrin glue on the corneal epitheliectomy site at the end of pterygium surgery versus conventional eye patch regarding pain levels, need for oral analgesic medications, number of days feeling pain, and awakening due to pain after surgery. Methods: Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients with bilateral primary pterygium were included in this prospective, randomized, double-masked controlled trial. Each eye of the same patient was randomized to the intervention or control group. The intervention group received 2 drops of fibrin glue in the epitheliectomy site at the end of surgery and an eye patch, whereas the control group was only received an eye patch. Patients returned on the first and seventh days after surgery. Pain intensity (measured using the visual pain analog scale), need for oral analgesics, the number of days the pain lasted, and quality of sleep were assessed during follow-up visits and compared between groups. Comparison analysis accounted for sex, age, pterygium grading, and comorbidities. Results: Visual analog pain scale after surgery was significantly lower in eyes receiving fibrin glue (−1.58; 95% confidence interval: −2.84 to −0.32; P = 0.014). In addition, the intervention group presented a 73% lower chance of using oral analgesics (OR: 0.27; 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.95; P = 0.041). No difference in the awakenings at night was noted (P = 0.240) nor the mean days of ocular pain in the first week after surgery (P = 0.474). Conclusions: Fibrin glue at the end of pterygium surgery effectively reduces pain and the need for oral analgesics compared with conventional eye patching. This study is the first to describe the results of this strategy.