AIM  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel sutureless AMT (amniotic membrane transplantation) or CAT (conjunctivolimbal autograft transplantation) using fibrin glue for reconstructing corneoconjunctival surfaces for primary pterygium associated with cysts.

METHODS  A prospective descriptive study was made of the period 1 January 2006 - 1 May 2009. Nine patients with primary pterygium associated with cysts underwent pterygium and cyst excision followed by sutureless AMT or CAT using fibrin glue.

RESULTS  During a mean follow-up of 8.00 ± 0.67 months, all eyes maintained a smooth and stable corneal epithelial surface without recurrent erosion or persistent epithelial defect. The limbal donor site showed the presence of mild depressions without the formation of pseudopterygium. All eyes have good tear secretion function, tear film stability and ocular motility.

CONCLUSION  Sutureless transplantation using fibrin glue is safe and effective for restoring a stable corneoconjunctival epithelium in primary pterygium associated with cysts.