PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy)


Phototherapeutic Keratectomy is a type of surgical procedure that uses a laser to remove irregularities in the cornea such as scarring or tissue build up. This procedure is indicated for corneal disease and degeneration.

Until recently, the use of lasers has been confined to corrective eye surgery, such as LASIK and LASEK procedures. It is only lately that diseases of the cornea have been treated using PTK, prior to this surgical removal was the most common treatment. There are many advantages to using PTK, it minimises post-operative pain associated with surgical trauma, produces a more regular, smoother corneal surface, prevents further corneal scarring and can even increase visual acuity.

PTK Types & Treatment Procedure

There are number of different types of PTK, depending upon the type and size of the corneal disease. These range from large area photoablation, which basically means removing most of the surface of the cornea with a laser, to focal ablation, which involves the removal of a small area of tissue only. Prior to the procedure, local anaesthetic eye drops are used to prevent any pain associated with the surgery.

After the operation a patch must be worn, along with dark glasses to prevent any damage to the eye whilst it is healing. It is also necessary to use antibiotic eye drops to prevent any infections, whilst painkillers such as ibuprofen or co-codamol may be prescribed to reduce any pain. The normal recovery period is 3 to 5 days.

Side Effects of PTK

There are a few side effects associated with PTK. Some patients may experience photophobia and/or cloudy vision for up to a month following the surgery. Sometimes the procedure may cause the patient to become longsighted (objects are blurry up close). This can be readily corrected with spectacles of contact lenses. Overall this technique is a useful tool in restoring the vision of many patients.


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