What Is PTK Eye Surgery?

PTK stands for photo-therapeutic keratectomy and is a procedure performed by an eye surgeon using a laser. PTK is done on an outpatient basis.

Definition

• In PTK, the laser is used to treat diseases or scars of the anterior portion of the cornea by applying the cool excimer laser to the surface of the cornea.

Indications

• PTK is used to treat corneal dystrophies (diseases) such as lattice dystrophy or granular dystrophy, recurrent corneal abrasions (scratches), and some scars.

Procedure

• During the PTK procedure, the eye is numbed with drops. The patient is reevaluated right after the procedure and sent home the same day with eye drops or ointments. Occasionally, the doctor will place a bandage contact lens on the cornea to manage pain.

Risks

• Risks with the PTK procedure include pain or discomfort, change in eyeglasses prescription, delayed healing and a small risk of infection.

Benefits

• PTK can help some patients avoid a corneal transplant; for other patients, the PTK procedure can take the place of manual removal of the tissue of the cornea with a blade.

Considerations

• Sometimes PTK can be used with the PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) which is a corrective refractive surgery to treat both any scarring/dystrophy as well as any refractive error with one procedure.