Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for treatment of Corneal Scars
What is phototherapeutic keratectomy(PTK)?
PTK uses the excimer laser to remove damaged corneal tissue due to problems such as corneal scars and recurrent corneal erosion, as well as other corneal dystrophies.
What is phototherapeutic keratectomy used for?
Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) is used to treat corneal surface diseases and scars. PTK is not used to reduce dependency on glasses or contacts but rather to produce a smoother, clearer cornea.
What makes PTK different from PRK, LASEK, and LASIK?
The key factor that defines PTK is that it provides medical benefits rather than just improving eyesight. The problems that PTK can help with are associated with diseases of the cornea whereas PRK, LASEK and LASIK are more related to correcting refractive issues, i.e., removal of glasses.
So when comparing PTK with the three other procedures, it is clear that PTK is more medically beneficial compared to cosmetically beneficial as seen with the others.
An example of a disorder that PTK can resolve is corneal dystrophy whereas examples of issues that can be sorted with PRK, LASIK or LASEK include myopia and astigmatism.
Who is a suitable candidate for PTK?
A significant factor that would make you suitable for undergoing PTK is if you suffer from either corneal damage or surface disease. Examples of such issues, which would increase your suitability for the surgery include:
- Corneal dystrophy
- Persistent epithelial erosion syndrome
- Scarring of the cornea
Other components that contribute to determining suitability for PTK include general good health and realistic expectations regarding the outcome.
If you also wish to improve your eyesight, then PTK may be the ideal option for you. The procedure can be combined with laser eye surgeries such as PRK, LASIK or LASEK. If this is something, you wish to consider then you should approach your surgeon for further advice.
What are other alternatives to PTK?
If your surgeon does not consider you a suitable candidate for PTK, then you do have other options. One of these options is a cornea transplant, and the other is manual scraping.
A cornea transplant involves your surgeon removing the damaged part of your cornea and replacing it with a healthy cornea. It is sometimes referred to as a penetrating keratoplasty or PK. This cornea is human and is taken from an eye bank close to the clinic. The transplant is frequently done so your eye can regain the ability to focus efficiently.
Manual scraping (or cornea scraping) is a procedure encompassing your surgeon physically scraping away the section of a cornea that has been subjected to damage or disease. An example when manual scraping may be employed is if you have a corneal ulcer.
Are there any risks associated with PTK?
As with all forms of surgery, PTK does carry some potential hazards. However, you should note that most often the surgery is performed safely and complication-free.
The PTK procedure is permanent, and you should always consider any potential risks, no matter how small or rare, before committing yourself to the surgery. Regarding PTK the potential risks and complications can include:
- Halos
- Glare
- Starbursts
- Sensitivity to light
For most people, the above occurrences are temporary and mild. However, a minority of patients do suffer permanently. During your consultation, your surgeon will give further insight to these risks and will be able to incorporate the possibility when determining how suitable you are for PTK.
What benefits will result from PTK?
Essentially, the benefit you will experience will be the resolution of your corneal damage or disease. Other advantages associated with PTK include a smoother, clearer cornea as well as better vision. The vision aspect can be further improved if you combine PTK with other procedures such as PRK, LASIK or LASEK.
