Fast track your treatment
To book an appointment or speak to one of our friendly team, please get in touch using the options below.
Phototherapeutic keratectomy is a type of laser eye surgery to treat irregularities of the cornea
Phototherapeutic keratectomy differs from LASIK and LASEK eye surgery because it treats corneal disease on the surface of the cornea, not refractory errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.
The cornea is the clear, front layer of the eye. It protects the iris and pupil and allows light to enter the eye. If the cornea becomes damaged due to scarring or disease, it can cause problems with your vision such as blurring and sensitivity to light. Diseases that affect the cornea are known as corneal dystrophies and include keratoconus and band keratopathy.
PTK is one of a wide range of therapies offered by our consultant ophthalmologists to treat vision problems and diseases of the eye. Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private phototherapeutic keratectomy with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
Your consultant may recommend a phototherapeutic keratectomy if you have irregularities on the surface of your cornea that are affecting your vision.
These may be caused by:
Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, and medical history. They will perform a complete eye examination which may include:
At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it's where we get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible before, during, and after your surgery, so please ask your consultant any questions you may have.
At the end of your appointment, your consultant will advise you on whether phototherapeutic keratectomy is a suitable treatment for you based on your symptoms, diagnosis, general health, and medical history.
Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your phototherapeutic keratectomy. If there's anything you're not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your surgery, speak to your consultant or call the hospital for advice. Being well-prepared for your surgery will help to ease any anxiety you may have as well as allow your surgery and recovery to go more smoothly.
Before your surgery, tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have and any medication, including over-the-counter medicines you are taking.
Your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications (for example blood thinners) before your operation. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your surgery.
Check with your consultant about when you can last eat and drink before your procedure.
Being as healthy as possible before your surgery can reduce the risk of complications and speed up your recovery.
Some things you can do to ensure you are in the best health before your procedure include:
For your surgery, you will lie on your back on an examination chair.
Your consultant will use a special device to hold your eye open during your phototherapeutic keratectomy. This is to prevent you from blinking during the procedure.
Your consultant will bathe your eye in an alcohol-based solution to separate the surface cells and allow your consultant access to your cornea.
Once the surface cells have been removed, your consultant uses a laser to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue at a time. They will check your cornea with a microscope frequently throughout the procedure to ensure that the right amount of corneal tissue is removed.
Once the cornea has been reshaped, the surface cells are put back into place. A contact lens bandage is applied to protect your eye while it heals.
Phototherapeutic keratectomy takes around ten minutes for each eye.
Your consultant may prescribe topical steroids, lubricants, and antibiotics for you to use in the weeks after your surgery. Your healthcare team will show you how to use these medications properly.
You may experience some post-operative pain for the first 24-48 hours after your surgery. Your consultant can give you anaesthetic eye drops to help with this, and you can take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need to.
Phototherapeutic keratectomy is normally done as a day case, meaning you'll be able to go home after the procedure.
You will not be able to drive yourself home from the hospital after your phototherapeutic keratectomy. Please make arrangements for someone to collect you, or we can organise a taxi if you prefer.
How soon you can go back to work after your surgery depends on your individual recovery and the type of job you do. Most people can return to work within a few days of phototherapeutic keratectomy. If your job involves using a computer, you will need to take frequent screen breaks and keep your eyes lubricated for at least the first two weeks after your surgery.
You should not drive for at least twenty-four hours after your phototherapeutic keratectomy. After this, you can drive when you can see clearly without pain or blurred vision. This is normally around a week after surgery. Check with your consultant when you can drive safely after your surgery.
Recovery from any type of surgery is a gradual process that is different for everyone. You can aid your recovery by following your consultant's instructions carefully after your procedure. Use any medications such as eye drops as directed and call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns.
During your recovery, you should avoid:
Your eyesight will probably be blurred for the first week after your surgery but normally settles down within a month. Your vision may continue to fluctuate for three to six months after surgery.
Most people resume normal activities within two weeks of phototherapeutic keratectomy.
Phototherapeutic keratectomy is a very safe procedure, but like all types of surgery, there is a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery and answer any questions you may have about your procedure. Being as well-informed as possible about what to expect from your surgery will help put your mind at rest and allow you to make an informed decision so please ask any questions you may have.
Possible complications of any surgery include:
Possible complications specific to phototherapeutic keratectomy include:
Phototherapeutic keratectomy is a type of laser surgery to correct irregularities in your cornea and improve your vision.
The difference between PTK and PRK is that PTK treats medical conditions such as corneal dystrophy, whereas PTK is used to correct refractive errors (long-sightedness, short-sightedness, and astigmatism) so that glasses and contact lenses are no longer needed. PTK is considered a medically necessary procedure and PRK is normally done for aesthetic purposes.
Whether or not phototherapeutic keratectomy is covered by insurance depends on the type of insurance and policy you have. Many policies will cover this procedure because it is considered medically necessary.
To discuss ways to pay for your phototherapeutic keratectomy, including private health insurance, give us a call.
You should avoid activities that can strain your eyes such as reading, watching television and computer work for the first twenty-four hours after your phototherapeutic keratectomy. After this, you should make sure your eyes are properly lubricated (your consultant will prescribe artificial tears for this) and take regular breaks to avoid straining your eyes.
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about phototherapeutic keratectomy, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in April 2023. Next review due April 2026.