Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Practice Exam

A conjunctival autograft is specifically utilized in the excision of pterygium. This procedure involves the removal of a pterygium, which is a growth of fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva that can extend onto the cornea and affect vision. To promote healing and prevent recurrence of the pterygium, a segment of the patient’s own conjunctiva is harvested and placed over the area where the pterygium was removed.

Using an autograft minimizes the risk of rejection since it is the patient's own tissue, therefore enhancing the healing process. This technique has been shown to reduce the rates of recurrence compared to other methods that do not use an autograft.

In contrast, the other surgical procedures mentioned do not typically involve the use of a conjunctival autograft. Penetrating keratoplasty focuses on transplanting corneal tissue, pneumatic retinopexy is a technique for repairing retinal detachments, and astigmatic keratotomy is aimed at correcting corneal astigmatism through incisions in the cornea. None of these procedures necessitate the use of conjunctival graft tissue as part of their standard surgical technique, making the utilization of a conjunctival autograft specifically appropriate