Purpose: To compare the safety and efficiency of bare sclera with conjunctival autografting technique in primary pterygium surgery.

Material and Method: Forty eyes of 32 cases with primary pterygium who applied to our clinic between October 2008 and March 2010 were included in this study. Group 1 included 26 eyes of 22 cases underwent bare sclera technique. Group 2 was composed of 14 eyes of 10 cases treated with conjunctival autograft transplantation technique. All patients were followed-up at least 6 months for complications and recurrences.

Results: Scleral thinning was found in three eyes (11.5%) and pterygium recurred in five eyes (19.2%) in group 1. A recurrence in one eye (7.1%) and a loosening of suture in two eyes (14.28%) occured in group 2. When the data obtained were compared statistically, the rate of recurrences in group 2 was found to be less than group 1 (p<0.005).

Conclusion: We concluded that conjunctival autografting technique is more effective and safer than bare sclera in primary pterygium surgery.