Updated on  February 20, 2024
6 min read

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy – Procedure, Aftercare & Costs

9 sources cited
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What is Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK)?

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) is a laser treatment procedure for anterior corneal disorders, including corneal dystrophy, corneal scars, recurrent corneal erosion (RCE), and band-shaped keratopathy. PTK is considered a bridge between surgery and medical management of corneal disorders. 

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy or PTK procedure being performed by eye doctor

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye that focuses light on the retina when you look at an object. Any defects in the cornea due to disease or surgery can affect your ability to see. 

During PTK, the surgeon uses an excimer laser device to remove any abnormal or diseased tissues on the cornea.

PTK offers a less invasive option and reduces the need for techniques such as lamellar or penetrating keratoplasties, which require partial or complete transplantation of the cornea. It can be used for both therapeutic and refractive purposes.

The PTK procedure has a quick recovery timeline and can be repeated to enhance outcomes.1

Pros and Cons of PTK

Pros of PTK include:

  • Effective in treating superficial corneal disorders
  • Ideal for people with thin corneas
  • No risk of flap-related complications like detachment or displacement because no flap is created 
  • Less invasive than lamellar or penetrating keratoplasties

Cons of PTK include:

  • Risk of infections
  • Potential for corneal scarring
  • Prolonged recovery time
  • Ineffective for deeper scarring

PTK Procedure

PTK is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be discharged on the same day. You can expect the following if your eye doctor recommends PTK as your best option:

Preparation

Like any surgery, preparation is important to ensure success. Diagnosis and planning for surgery are based on the doctor’s judgment and the slit-lamp examination. A slit lamp is a device that allows the doctor to see the cornea under high magnification. 

Other preoperative investigations include:

  • Corneal pachymetry. Measures central corneal thickness.
  • Corneal topography. Determines the surface integrity of the cornea (irregularities are noted)
  • Optical coherence tomography. Determines the depth of the corneal lesion, the expected residual corneal thickness, and   the size of corneal ablation required.

Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking. Certain medications such as blood thinners can affect surgery and healing.

The doctor may administer preoperative antibiotic eye drops a day before surgery to reduce the population of normal bacteria in the eyes.3 This prevents the risk of infection during surgery. Avoid eye makeup and other facial lotions days before and on the surgery day, as they might harbor harmful bacteria.4

Your ability to drive may be impaired after surgery. Prepare reliable transportation to and from your doctor’s office on the surgery day and the following few days.

Procedure Steps

On the day of surgery, you’ll sit on a reclining chair at your doctor’s office, and your surgeon will prepare your eyes for surgery.

The procedure is done under topical anesthesia such as Xylocaine (4%) or Proparacaine HCl (0.5%).5 However, local or general anesthesia might be necessary if additional surgery is required. 

After applying a speculum to hold your eyelids open, the surgeon will use a computer-guided excimer laser (193 nm), which uses the concept of photoablation (or laser blasting).6 Photoablation is a process where laser energy is directly used to break down target tissue. 

During PTK, the excimer laser device sends pulses of laser into the corneal tissues. The laser energy removes the diseased outer corneal layer and smooths the inner surface. One pulse removes approximately 0.25 microns of corneal tissue, making the procedure precise, effective, and low-risk for complications.7

If the corneal surface is rough, the surgeon will apply a masking agent such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to smooth it. The masking agent makes the irregular protrusions more visible for ablation.

Once the corneal surface is smoothened, the surgeon will apply bandage contact lenses (BCL) or eye patches to facilitate healing.

Antibiotics and prescription eye drops will also help ease pain and discomfort during recovery. The procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes for both eyes.

Aftercare & Recovery

After surgery, proper care is necessary to facilitate epithelial healing. You should make your first follow-up appointment at least 24 hours after surgery for your doctor to closely monitor the healing.8 This will prevent complications such as ulceration, scarring, or infection.

You may experience hazy vision and some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, this is just temporary as the epithelium heals. 

The bandage contact lenses (BCL) should be left intact until the epithelium heals. During this time, you’ll use prophylactic antibiotic eye drops such as fluoroquinolone. If the eye is patched, you’ll use an antibiotic ointment. 

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac sodium may be used to reduce surgical pain. These do not affect the healing process and may reduce the need for oral analgesics.

Once the epithelium heals and the BCL or eye patch is removed, your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and fluorometholone to prevent inflammation.

Avoid the following during recovery:

  • Rubbing your eyes
  • Direct sunlight exposure
  • Contact with water
  • Facial makeup, lotions, and creams (consult your doctor about when to resume use)
  • Contact sports such as football and basketball (may lead to accidental injuries)
  • Eye-straining activities such as reading or driving

Your vision may also fluctuate for several months, but most people report satisfactory results after about 3 to 6 months.

Who Should Get PTK?

The best candidates for PTK have opacities (cloudiness) in the front 10 to 20% of the cornea, with no significant irregularity or corneal thinning.

People with corneal scars, corneal dystrophy, RCE, and other superficial corneal disorders can also benefit from PTK.2 In people with both superficial and deep stromal lesions, only superficial lesions are easily treated.

Poor candidates for PTK have systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and autoimmune disorders that can affect surgery or healing. Any bacterial or viral infections can also disqualify you from the PTK procedure.

Side Effects and Risks of PTK

The side effects of PTK include:

  • Corneal haze (resolves over time)
  • Dry eyes
  • Tearing
  • Vision changes
  • Halos and starbursts around lights
  • Light sensitivity (photophobia)

The risks of PTK include:

  • Excessive corneal thinning
  • Reactivation of herpes simplex virus9
  • Corneal scarring
  • Eye infection

How Much Does PTK Cost?

The cost of PTK will depend on the extent of corneal damage, your surgeon’s experience, and the available pre- and post-surgery facilities. 

Fortunately, PTK is considered medically significant and therefore covered by most insurance providers. This is especially true when the procedure treats corneal scars, corneal degeneration, dystrophies, or recurrent epithelial erosion. 

Talk to your surgeon and insurance provider to determine the cost of your surgery before making a commitment.

Summary

Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is an outpatient laser treatment procedure for anterior corneal disorders. PTK is considered a bridge between surgery and medical management of these disorders. It provides both therapeutic and refractive benefits. 

The best candidates for PTK have opacities, corneal scars, corneal dystrophy, recurrent corneal erosion (RCE), and other superficial corneal disorders. The procedure involves removing the diseased epithelium and smoothening the corneal tissues with an excimer laser. 

PTK is considered medically necessary and covered by insurance if it’s recommended for therapeutic reasons. Your surgeon will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine if PTK will work for you.

Updated on  February 20, 2024
9 sources cited
Updated on  February 20, 2024
  1. Deshmukh et al., “Phototherapeutic keratectomy: Indications, methods and decision making,” Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, Dec 2020.
  2. Paparo  et al., “Phototherapeutic keratectomy for Schnyder’s crystalline corneal dystrophy,”  National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), May 2000.
  3. Douglas R., “Antibiotic prophylaxis 1 day or 1 hour before surgery reduces conjunctival bacterial flora,” Healio, 23 Jun. 2015
  4. Dadashi L. and Dehghanzadeh R., “Investigating incidence of bacterial and fungal contamination in shared cosmetic kits available in the women beauty salons,” National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 10 Aug. 2016.
  5. Davis M. and Pollack J., “Patient Assessment of Topical Anesthetic Effectiveness for Intravitreal Injections,” Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Apr. 2010
  6. AlBloushi,  A. et al., “Lasers (surgery),” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 31 May 2022.
  7. Rodríguez-García A. et al., “Phototherapeutic keratectomy,” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 21 Jan. 2022
  8. Das S. et al., “Delayed healing of corneal epithelium after phototherapeutic keratectomy for lattice dystrophy,” The Journal of Cornea and External Disease, Apr. 2005
  9. Deai T. et al., “Excimer Laser Photokeratectomy Reactivates Latent Herpes Simplex Virus,” Springer Nature, Nov. 2004.
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