Medical use of Laser Vision technology - Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy
PTK uses the excimer laser to treat corneal surface diseases and scars. PTK can also be used to treat painful eye problems like recurrent erosion syndrome. The goal is to produce an optically smoother and clearer cornea. The over-all optical power of the cornea may or may not be changed depending on the specific treatment.
In contrast, the goal in PRK / LASIK is to reduce dependency upon eyeglasses or contact lenses through a change in the optical power of the cornea.
PTK treatments are customized for individual case. Just as every scar is unique, often each PTK treatment is unique in the amount of laser and approach to which the laser is applied.
Topographic guided PTK
Topo-guided PTK is a specialized form of PTK treatment. An advanced scanner captured a 3 dimensional shaped of the patient’s abnormal cornea (Topography). A specialised software is then used to plan the exact application of laser pulses to smoothen the shape of the cornea.
This is useful for highly irregular corneas such as keratoconus.
What condition is PTK used for
PTK is for corneal surface diseases such as:
- Irregular astigmatism such as keratoconus or past injury
- Recurrent epithelial erosion syndrome
- Shallow corneal scars
- Corneal dystrophies, such as lattice dystrophy or granular dystrophy
- Corneal degenerations such as band keratopathy, Salzmann nodular degeneration
