Freedom from glasses starts here.

PTK eye surgery

Freedom from glasses starts here.

A precise laser treatment that removes damaged tissue from the corneal surface, restoring clarity and comfort for patients with scarring, dystrophies, and chronic surface conditions.

PTK eye surgery

Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a laser procedure used to treat conditions affecting the corneal surface, such as recurrent erosions, superficial scars, and certain dystrophies. Unlike laser vision correction, PTK removes damaged tissue to improve comfort, clarity, and eye health.

What is PTK

PTK is a type of laser eye surgery used to treat conditions affecting the superficial layers of the cornea. PTK uses the same excimer laser as PRK, but for a different purpose. Rather than reshaping the cornea to correct prescription, PTK removes irregular or damaged surface tissue, allowing healthier tissue to regenerate.

Conditions treated with PTK

Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome — When the surface layer repeatedly
peels away, causing sudden severe pain, watering, and light sensitivity –
often upon waking.
Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy — Also called map-dot-
fingerprint dystrophy, this condition causes irregular surface patterns leading to recurrent corneal erosions and/or visual blur.
Superficial corneal scars — From previous injuries, infections, or surgery – PTK can reduce or remove shallow scars affecting vision.
Corneal dystrophies — Reis-Bucklers, lattice, or granular dystrophies causing superficial deposits or changes.
Band keratopathy — Calcium deposits on the corneal surface causing
opacity and discomfort.

How PTK works

The excimer laser precisely removes thin layers of damaged corneal tissue. For recurrent erosions, the laser freshens the surface so new epithelium adheres more securely. For scars and dystrophies, it removes affected tissue to restore smoothness and clarity.

PTK vs. PRK

Both use the excimer laser on the corneal surface, but PRK is a refractive procedure (corrects prescription) while PTK is therapeutic (treats corneal disease).

In some cases, PTK and PRK can be combined—if you need surface treatment and also want to reduce dependence on glasses.

Am I suitable for PTK?

PTK is typically considered when conservative treatments (lubricants, ointments, bandage lenses) haven’t controlled your condition.

PTK may be recommended for

Recurrent erosions not responding to conservative treatment
Superficial scars affecting vision
Corneal dystrophies causing symptoms
Band keratopathy or other superficial deposits

PTK may not be suitable if

The pathology extends too deep into the cornea
There is active infection or inflammation
Corneal thickness is insufficient

What to expect

Before treatment

You’ll have a comprehensive assessment including corneal imaging to determine the depth and extent of the condition. Bring your current glasses prescription, medication list, and details of any previous treatments.

During treatment

Numbing drops are applied
A speculum gently holds your eyelids open
The epithelium is removed (by laser or manually)
The excimer laser treats the affected area (~30–60 seconds)
A bandage contact lens is placed to support healing

The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes per eye.

After treatment

The first 3 days are most uncomfortable (watering, light sensitivity, grittiness)
The bandage lens stays in place for about a week
Vision improves gradually as the surface heals
Most people take about a week off work
Full stabilisation can take up to three months

Results you can expect from PTK eye surgery

For recurrent erosions

Studies show success rates over 96% for preventing further erosions. Most patients experience significant relief from the pain and disruption caused by repeated episodes.

For scars and dystrophies

PTK can improve clarity by removing superficial opacities. Dystrophies may gradually recur (as they’re genetic), but PTK provides meaningful improvement for years.

Possible side effects

Temporary discomfort during healing
Corneal haze (usually mild, often resolves)
Hyperopic shift (may need updated glasses)
Recurrence of underlying condition

PTK can often be repeated if needed, provided sufficient corneal thickness remains.

PTK as an alternative to transplant

For superficial conditions, PTK can delay or avoid a corneal transplant by restoring clarity without the complexity of transplant surgery. Deeper pathology may still require transplantation.

Why choose City Eye Surgeons for PTK eye surgery

Corneal expertise across erosions, dystrophies, and scarring
Structured follow-up to monitor healing
Combined PTK + PRK available when appropriate

FAQs

What is recurrent corneal erosion syndrome?

It’s repeated breakdown of the corneal surface due to poor epithelial adhesion, often at the site of a previous injury. Causes sudden severe pain, watering, and light sensitivity, typically upon waking.

Will my vision change after PTK?

PTK can cause a small prescription shift, usually toward long-sightedness. Your glasses prescription may need updating once stable.

How quickly will vision recover?

Vision is blurry for the first few days while the surface heals, then improves gradually. Full stabilisation can take weeks to months.

Does PTK hurt?

The procedure itself is painless as numbing drops are used. Discomfort occurs for several days afterwards while the surface heals, and is managed with drops and a bandage lens.

Is PTK the same as PRK?

No. PTK treats corneal disease; PRK corrects prescription. Both use the same laser, and can sometimes be combined.

Can PTK be repeated?

Yes, if the condition recurs and sufficient corneal thickness remains.

Can PTK help avoid a corneal transplant?

For superficial conditions, yes – PTK can restore clarity without a corneal transplant. Deeper pathology may still require transplantation.

To start, book via our appointment. Bring your current glasses prescription, medication list, and details of previous treatments for your corneal condition.

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Rediscover clearer vision

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Rediscover clearer vision

PTK eye surgery

PTK eye surgery

What is PTK

Conditions treated with PTK

How PTK works

PTK vs. PRK

Am I suitable for PTK?

PTK may be recommended for

PTK may not be suitable if

What to expect

Before treatment

During treatment

After treatment

Results you can expect from PTK eye surgery

For recurrent erosions

For scars and dystrophies

Possible side effects

PTK as an alternative to transplant

Why choose City Eye Surgeons for PTK eye surgery

FAQs

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