Pterygium follow-up interval?

• A. 1 year OR 3-4 weeks for steroid
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 1 month
• D. 6 months

Answer: (A)

Follow-up timing for pterygium depends on treatment status. If the pterygium is stable and you’re just observing, you typically schedule an annual check. When topical steroids are used to manage inflammation or after procedures, you need a shorter interval to monitor response and potential steroid-related side effects, such as elevated intraocular pressure, usually around 3–4 weeks. This combination—annual follow-up for stable, non-treated cases, or a 3–4 week check when steroids are involved—best fits the typical management pattern. Shorter intervals like 2 weeks are usually unnecessary unless there are acute concerns, and a fixed 6-month interval wouldn’t be appropriate when steroids are being used. A 1-month interval aligns with the 3–4 week window, but the critical point is recognizing the dual approach depending on treatment.