PTK Lasik Laser

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) is a surgical procedure to manage different corneal diseases. The cornea is the eye’s most outer layer and acts as a window that covers the front of the eye. PTK is a minor surgical therapeutic treatment that uses an excimer laser to treat mainly diseases of the surface of the corneal or corneal injury, by removing a small outer layer of tissue from the cornea. It is normally used after more traditional treatments have failed. It is done for therapeutic reasons, to correct documented medical eye issues.

What Eye Conditions Can PTK Treat?

Corneal opacities
Scarring on the cornea
Recurrent epithelial erosion syndrome (REES)
Irregular surfaces
Erosions

How is it performed?

1. Local anaesthetic eye drops are applied to both eyes
2. A solution of alcohol is used to gently separate the cells from the surface of the cornea
3. The cells are gently rolled aside
4. The Schwind Amaris 1050RS is then used to therapeutically remove the defective tissue
5. A contact lens is placed on the surface to act as a bandage and no stitches are required

What does the procedure involve?

In PTK the first layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is removed using an alcohol solution, the excimer laser is applied to the eye removing a thin layer. In theory, this provides a more sound base layer for healing of the erosion, allowing the corneal epithelium cells to heal all in one sheet, making the healing process more complete over the entire surface. After the surgery a contact lens bandage is put in place to provide a healing environment and reduce pain. Your surgeon will also prescribe for you a regimen of antibiotic, steroid eye drops as well as moisterising eye drops. It is important that you use the drops as these are medicine to help your eye heal and relieve any discomfort.