Photo-Therapeutic Keratectomy (PTK)
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Please note that a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Useful Information
About this service
PTK is a surgical procedure which uses a laser to treat eyesight problems, particularly corneal scars and diseases of the surface such as corneal dystrophy and epithelial erosion syndrome.
The aim of this procedure is to treat surface level corneal disease and NOT to remove the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. However, this treatment can be combined with PRK which means that it has both a medical and cosmetic application.
The procedure
The main difference between PTK and other procedures is that it treats medical conditions such as corneal dystrophy. In other words, there is a clear medical need for this surgery. LASIK, LASEK and PRK are performed to correct refractive errors.
Anaesthetic drops will be placed in your eye to numb the area prior to the procedure.
The outer layer of the cornea is removed and laser is used to correct or reshape your cornea depending on the type of condition.
Following the procedure
There will be some discomfort or pain whilst the cornea heals although over the counter painkillers can control this.