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What is PTK?

PTK also known as photo-therapeutic keratectomy is a laser surgical procedure to manage various corneal conditions. PTK treats superficial corneal disease, irregularities, and opacities. It is an effective alternative for LASIK patients who have been diagnosed with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy.

PTK is performed with an excimer laser. Our state-of-the-art laser allows us to remove the thinnest outer layer of tissue from the cornea with ultimate precision. This treatment can resolve a large proportion of vision problems that could only be treated with a very expensive and riskier corneal transplant.

What can PTK treat?

PTK surgery may be the most effective treatment if you suffer from any of the following eye conditions:

  • Corneal scars and opacities
  • Irregular surfaces and erosions
  • Recurrent erosion syndrome (RCES) - a breakdown of the top layer of the cornea leading to severe eye pain and other symptoms
  • Map dot fingerprint conditions (The bottom layer of the cornea thickens or folds creating shapes that appear as dots or fingerprints)
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What is recurrent corneal erosion syndrome?

Recurrent corneal erosions are common. They arise when damage to the cornea occurs; then, as healing begins, the new tissue is repeatedly stripped off by eyelid movement so that the epithelial layer fails to re-attach. The condition is very painful, as it leaves corneal nerve endings exposed. It may occur due to trauma but corneal dystrophy or other corneal diseases are typically the cause. In recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) repeated episodes of breakdown of the corneal surface produce disabling eye symptoms and predispose the cornea to infection.

How does PTK work?

PTK is a surgical therapeutic treatment that uses a medical device called an excimer laser, with the control of a computer to remove a small outer layer of diseased tissue from the cornea. PTK allows us to remove extremely thin layers of corneal tissue. In doing so we remove scars, irregularities, or cloudiness on the corneal surface. The surgery is so precise that the rest of the cornea is effectively undamaged with very little trauma. Once the surface of the eye has been smoothed, new tissue regenerates over the surface leaving the eye smooth and scar free.

Risks of PTK?

Like any surgery, there are always a few risks that need to be considered. Patients can experience corneal haze or bacterial infection. These issues are usually very mild and resolve with time. When considering PTK, it is important to discuss all your questions and concerns with us, so you are confident that our recommended treatment is suitable based on your condition and your desired results.

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Alternatives to PTK?

Corneal transplant - A corneal transplant may be necessary for some patients however with the growing development of PTK, a large amount of people with damage to the cornea can restore vision and comfort with much less invasive surgery. PTK also offers a much faster recovery time (a few days) unlike a corneal transplant that can take months to recover from with complicated, unending regimes of eye drops (which can be daily for several months and in some cases even up to a year!) and restrictions on everyday life activities.

LASIK - if you have been diagnosed with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (an eye condition that affects the cornea) then LASIK may not be suitable. This procedure may be performed as an alternative to LASIK. PTK is similar to laser vision correction surgery in the actual surgical process. The main difference is that LASIK is a vision correction procedure chosen by those who want to correct vision, so they have no need to wear glasses or contacts. PTK is used to treat corneal disease, rather than correct vision.

PTK surgery?

PTK surgery takes very little time to complete. There is no pain involved in the procedure and you will be comfortable and rested throughout the treatment. Once the precise amount of corneal tissue is vaporised with the excimer laser, and the cornea smoothed, a bandage contact lens (BCL) is placed onto the eye to reduce discomfort and promote safe healing. You will be prescribed eye drops, which must be applied to the eye as instructed by your consultant. You will probably expect to need a few days away from work or other activities to rest and recover and will have pain medication to keep you comfortable. You must not touch your eyes for a week during your recovery. This includes avoiding dust, water, facial products such as eye make up and creams for a week. This is to stop infection and interference with the healing process.

You can expect your vision to be slightly cloudy or blurry in the beginning stage of your recovery. This will improve as the days go on. The maximum vision correction is achieved at about six months following PTK surgery.

Dr Amir Mani - Specialist refractive surgeon

One of the most experienced refractive surgeons in London

Dr Mani has performed more than 20,000 ophthalmic procedures, including LASIK, LASEK, PRK, Femto Cataract, RLE, Lens ICL and Phakic IOL Surgery

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