Abstract: The exact pathogenesis of pterygium is not completely understood, which result in high recurrence rate after surgery. The biomarkers of pterygium include tumor suppressor genes, proliferation/apoptosis related proteins, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, interleukins, heat shock proteins, tight junction proteins, cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix proteins and viruses. There is a complex network relationship between these biomarkers, and there is no clear distinction between primary and secondary, and they can promote the occurrence and development of pterygium individually or cooperatively. If the expression of these biomarkers is effectively regulated, it may be the fundamental method to prevent, treat and reduce the recurrence rate of pterygium surgery.(Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2021, 45: 251-256)

Key words: pterygium, biomarkers