What is phototherapeutic keratectomy?
Phototherapeutic keratectomy, or PTK, is a surgery used to treat the corneal surface disease. PTK tries to make the surface of the cornea cleaner and smoother. It is considered to be a medical procedure and as such is often covered with insurance. It is different from photorefractional keracticomy (PRK) or laser assisted sub-epithelial keracticomy (lasik), both of which try to improve vision and reduce the need for the patient to remedy the lenses. However, phototherapeutic keratectomy can improve the problems with the vision caused by the corneal surface, such as scarring, corneal dystrophy or recurring epithelial erosion syndrome.
PTK is an alternative approach to traditional therapies for corneal surface diseases. Before the arrival of laser eye surgery, the treatment relied on special eye lubrication, manual corneal revival, corneal transplantation and contact lenses. Laser therapies, such as PTK, allow surgeons to repair abnormalities on the surface more perfectly. Eye area is usually noIšta and sterilized and anesthetic eye drops are administered to control pain during the procedure. The eyelids are open during the surgery by the eyelid holder.
The procedure itself takes only a moment or two. Patients are generally asked to focus on target light while the laser performs their work. Then the surgeon usually examines the cornea to verify the results.
patients may have to protect their eyes with dark glasses for up to three days after phototherapeutic keratectomy. Vision changes are common during the first five days of recovery. Many patients experience discomfort as the eyes heal. Medicated eye drops, oral pain medications and contact lens dressings can be used during the recovery period. Most patients will be able to continue working and other normal activities within three to five days, although it may take up to six months in some changes.
patients undergoing phototherapyIn keratectomy, they can usually expect to improve vision in the long run. The effects are usually permanent. Side effects usually disappear quickly. Some patients may experience continued sensitivity to light and blessings and can see Halos around the lights indefinitely.
Most patients will need new glasses or regulation of contact lenses and some may become long -term after treatment. Alternatives to PTK include corneal transplantation. Surgeons can also scrape the cornea to smooth it manually.