Objective  To compare the effect of amniotic membrane transplantation and limbal stem cell transplantation on the refractive status, cosmetic effect and safety for patients with pterygium.

  Methods  A total of 84 patients with pterygium were selected as research subjects. They were divided into control group (42 cases, pterygium surgery combined with limbal stem cell transplantation) and observation group (42 cases, pterygium combined with amniotic membrane transplantation) using random number table method. The visual acuity and refractive power of the two groups before and after the operation were compared, and the wound healing time, postoperative complications and cosmetic effects of the two groups were compared.

  Results  The visual acuity at 1 week and 1 month after operation of the two groups was significantly higher than preoperation, and the refractive power was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in visual acuity and refractive power at 1 month after operation when compared with 1 week after operation (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in visual acuity and refractive power between the two groups before operation, 1 week after operation and 1 month after operation (P>0.05). The wound healing time of the observation group was prolonged comparing with the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total complication rate between the two groups (P>0.05). The recurrence rate of the study group was significantly higher comparing with the control group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Membrane transplantation and limbal autologous stem cell transplantation are both safe and effective treatment for pterygium resection. They can both promote vision recovery and improve corneal refractive status. However, limbal autologous stem cell transplantation can promote wound healing and reduce the recurrence rate after pterygium surgery and obtain satisfactory cosmetic results.