Performed through an excimer laser, phototherapeutic keratectomy or PTK can smooth uneven corneal surfaces to help treat various cornea irregularities at Eyeworks, TX.
The cornea is the clear, outer surface or layer of the eye, which is the main area that's corrected during LASIK surgery. During a PTK procedure, impulses are sent out by an excimer laser to remove targeted tissue from the cornea. As the laser strikes the cornea based on your eye surgeon's guidance, the surface is flattened to reshape the curvature of the eye. This will treat troubling symptoms and ultimately correct refractive error & restore visual acuity. The same procedure done in LASIK to remove tissue can be performed on specific areas of the cornea to remove endothelium cells and correct any corneal erosions or corneal scars.
The PTK procedure can be used to treat and manage the following eye conditions:
Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome:
Breakdown of the corneal that causes pain and redness of the eye. PTK can stabilize changes with the cornea and prevent further discomfort. Reoccurrences from cornea erosions are rare post a PTK procedure.
Corneal Scars:
Corneal scars that are found on the front of the cornea can be corrected through PTK with minimal removal of the cornea's surface.
Irregular Corneas:
PTK smooths out the surface of the cornea in case of bumps or mild to moderate keratoconus.
Corneal Dystrophies:
In some instances, PTK can help postpone the need for corneal grafting (transplants) for dystrophies like:
- Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy
- Basal membrane dystrophy
- Meesman's dystrophy
- Reis-Bückler's dystrophy
- Thiel-Benke's dystrophy
- Granular dystrophy
- Macular dystrophy
- Lattice dystrophy
- Schnyder's dystrophy
- Fuchs' dystrophy
By removing some of the surface layers of the cornea, PTK can heal and treat the corneal dystrophy. PTK helps improve a diseased cornea's health with better adhesion and prevent future breakdowns.
How do you know when you have a cornea problem?
- Pain
- Vision loss or inability to see
- Redness & irritation
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- extreme dryness
Recovery with PTK can be discomforting, but the PTK procedure is quick, effective, and solves multiple consistent corneal conditions.
