AIM: To investigate and compare the efficacy of bare sclera technique, corneal limbus stem cells conjunctival transplantation and corneal limbus stem cells conjunctival transplantation plus sealing the gap between the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule in the treatment of pterygium.

METHODS: One hundred and thirty-eight eyes of 130 subjects were included in this study. Forty-eight eyes were excised with bare sclera technique(group A). Forty-five eyes were treated with corneal limbus stem cells conjunctival transplantation combined with excision(group B), and forty-five eyes were treated with corneal limbus stem cells conjunctival transplantation plus sealing the gap between the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule(group C). All patients completed 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS: The recurrence rates of pterygium for the three surgeries(group A, B, and C)were 27.1%, 8.9% and 4.4%, respectively. The significant differences were identified when comparing the recurrence rate between group A and group B and between group A and group C(P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between group B and group C(P>0.05). Granulomas appeared in group A(3 eyes)and group B(2 eyes). The appearance of lacrimal caruncles in group C was better than those in group A and B.

CONCLUSION: Corneal limbus stem cells conjunctival transplantation plus sealing the gap between the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule with excision can significantly reduce pterygium recurrence and make for appearance of lacrimal caruncles. It can release postoperative inflammation and prevent granulomas. It is an ideal method of pterygium surgery.