In short
Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating surgical treatments for pterygium, a non-cancerous growth of tissue on the eye. The study compares different graft materials and healing approaches used during surgery to prevent the condition from returning after removal.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Fibrin Matrix and Autologous Growth Factor Eye Drops for Pterygium Surgery Patients
This trial is investigating two different surgical approaches for treating pterygium, a growth of tissue that extends from the white part of the eye onto the cornea. The study compares how well each treatment prevents the growth from coming back after surgery.
Who can participate:
- Adults between 20 and 60 years old
- Patients with primary pterygium affecting one or both eyes
- The growth must be extending onto the cornea with risk of affecting vision or causing discomfort
- Both men and women can take part
Who cannot participate:
- People with other eye conditions that might interfere with the study
- Those who have had previous eye surgery that could affect results
- Individuals with allergies to any substances used in the trial
- People unable to attend follow-up visits
- Those with uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Anyone currently in another clinical trial
- People with a history of drug or alcohol abuse
What the trial involves:
Participants will undergo surgery to remove the pterygium growth. During the operation, one of two treatment options will be used. The first option involves a fibrin membrane graft combined with special eye drops made from the patient's own blood, which contain natural growth factors that help healing. The second option uses an amniotic membrane graft, which is tissue from the innermost layer of the placenta.
After surgery, patients will be monitored at regular intervals: one month, two months, three months, six months, and one year later. During these visits, doctors will check whether the pterygium has returned. The study aims to determine which treatment is more effective at preventing the growth from coming back.
Investigational treatments:
- Fibrin membrane graft: A surgical covering made from fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting, used to protect the treated area and support healing
- Autologous growth factor eye drops: Eye drops made from the patient's own blood that contain natural healing substances to promote tissue repair and reduce recurrence risk
- Amniotic membrane graft: A surgical covering made from placental tissue with natural healing properties
The trial is taking place in Spain and is expected to continue until 2026, allowing researchers to collect comprehensive data on which treatment works best for preventing pterygium from returning after surgery.
Summary
Currently, only one clinical trial is actively investigating pterygium treatment approaches. This trial is based in Spain and focuses specifically on surgical techniques and post-operative care to prevent recurrence of the condition. The study compares traditional amniotic membrane grafts with a newer approach using fibrin membrane grafts combined with the patient's own growth factors delivered through eye drops. This research may provide valuable information about which surgical method offers better long-term outcomes for patients undergoing pterygium removal. The trial represents an important step in understanding how to reduce the likelihood of this eye condition returning after treatment.
