Purpose :To compare the recurrence rate of pterygium following pterygium excision with topical mitomycin–c (0.02%) application on bare sclera versus free conjunctivalautograft during follow up period of 6 months.

Patients and methods: we studied recurrence rate of pterygium and post operative complications in 100eyes.Patients were selected and divided into 2 groups. Group A(50) patients were subjected to CAG Group B(50) patients were subjected to topical MMC after pterygium excision.

Results:  out of 100 eyes 50 eyes underwent CAG technique and other 50 eyes were subjected to  intra operative topical MMC (0.02%) for 2minutes on bare sclera following pterygium excision. Mean age of patients was 45.44±12. years., Out of 100 patients, reccurence was seen in 15 cases.Group A (CAG) had 8% recurrence.Group B (MMC) had 22% recurrence. Scleral thinning was observed in 15 cases of groupB (MMC). Delayed epithelial healing was observed in 14 cases of group B(MMC). Sub graft hemorrhage was noted in 8% cases of groupA (CAG).

Conclusion: We conclude that conjunctival autografting and intra operative MMC are equally effective methods in pterygtium surgery. A conjunctival autograft is a very safe and effective surgical approach to the treatment of pterygium.