Vastardis, IraklisIraklisVastardisPajic, BojanBojanPajicGreiner, Richard HRichard HGreinerPajic-Eggspuehler, BrigitteBrigittePajic-EggspuehlerAebersold, Daniel MatthiasDaniel MatthiasAebersold0000-0002-9493-38342024-10-142024-10-142009https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/105085PURPOSE: To evaluate the consecutive treatment results regarding pterygium recurrence and the efficacy of exclusive strontium-/yttrium-90 beta-irradiation for primary and recurrent pterygia and to analyze the functional outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 1974 and December 2005, 58 primary and 21 recurrent pterygia were exclusively treated with strontium-/yttrium-90 beta-irradiation with doses ranging from 3,600 to 5,500 cGy. The follow-up time was 46.6 +/- 26.7 months, with a median of 46.5 months. RESULTS: The treatment led to a size reduction in all pterygia (p < 0.0001). Neither recurrences nor side effects were observed during therapy and follow-up in this study. Best-corrected visual acuity increased (p = 0.0064). Corneal astigmatism was reduced in recurrent pterygia (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Exclusive strontium-/yttrium-90 beta-irradiation of pterygia is a very efficient and well-tolerated treatment, with remarkable aesthetic and rehabilitative results in comparison to conventional treatments, especially for recurrent lesions which have undergone prior surgical excision.enarticle10.48350/316392001309000027252510000510.1007/s00066-009-2000-1