PTK minimizes tissue removal and therefore surgical trauma. The smoother stromal surface achieved by the excimer laser procedure may improve surface smoothness of the cornea, improve postoperative corneal clarity and decrease postoperative scarring, and facilitate subsequent epithelial adhesion.
Moreover superficial corneal disorders, which in some cases would otherwise require a corneal transplant may be amenable to treatment with the PTK procedure. PTK has a dual approach in pain management and improving the visual acuity. Unlike the excimer laser PRK or LASIK technique for correction of refractive errors, PTK treatments will vary with different corneal disorders, and the clinical goals of the procedure may, likewise, vary depending upon the patient’s symptoms.
Clinical indications for Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK):
A: To improve vision
Keratoconus with irregular astigmatism Band keratopathy Reis bucklers Shallow corneal scar Lattice dystrophy and granular dystrophy Severe astigmatism following corneal graft surgery (frequently combined with Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) to improve the end result).
B: To improve symptomatic eye status (reduce eye pain and improve eye comfort)
Anterior basement membrane epithelial dystrophy (ABMD) Phakic or aphakic bullous keratopathy Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) from trauma
