We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Phototherapeutic Keratectomy?

Marjorie McAtee
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 11,669
Share

Phototherapeutic keratectomy, or PTK, is a surgical procedure used to treat diseases of the corneal surface. PTK seeks to make the surface of the cornea clearer and smoother. It is considered a medical procedure, and, as such, is often covered by insurance. It is different from photorefractive keractectomy (PRK) or laser-assisted sub-epithelial keractectomy (LASIK), both of which seek to improve vision and decrease the patient's need for corrective lenses. Phototherapeutic keratectomy can, however, improve vision problems caused by corneal surface diseases, such as scarring, corneal dystrophies, or recurrent epithelial erosion syndrome.

PTK is an alternative approach to traditional therapies for diseases of the corneal surface. Prior to the advent of laser eye surgery, treatments relied upon special eye lubrication, manual corneal resurfacing, corneal transplants, and contact lens bandages. Laser therapies such as PTK allow surgeons to correct abnormalities on the surface of the cornea more effectively.

Before undergoing the phototherapeutic keratectomy procedure, patients are usually sedated. The eye area is typically cleaned and sterilized, and anesthetic eye drops are administered to control pain during the procedure. The eyelids are held open by an eyelid holder during the surgery.

The procedure itself takes only a moment or two to perform. Patients are generally asked to focus on a target light while the laser does its work. Afterward, the surgeon typically examines the cornea to verify the results.

Patients may need to shield their eyes with dark glasses for up to three days following phototherapeutic keratectomy. Changes in vision are common during the first five days of recovery. Many patients will experience discomfort as the eye heals. Medicated eye drops, oral pain medications and contact lens bandages can be used during the recovery period. Most patients will be able to resume work and other normal activities within three to five days, though, in some, vision changes can last up to six months.

Patients undergoing phototherapeutic keratectomy can usually expect an improvement in vision over the long term. The effects are normally permanent. Side effects usually go away quickly. Some patients may experience continued sensitivity to light and glares, and may see halos around lights, indefinitely.

Most patients will need a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and some may become longsighted after treatment. Alternatives to PTK involve corneal transplants. Surgeons may also scrape the cornea to smooth it by hand.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Marjorie McAtee
By Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-a-phototherapeutic-keratectomy.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.