Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a type of
eye surgery
Eye surgery, also known as ophthalmic or ocular surgery, is surgery performed on the eye or its adnexa, by an ophthalmologist or sometimes, an optometrist. Eye surgery is synonymous with ophthalmology. The eye is a very fragile organ, and requ ...
that uses a
laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation". The fir ...
to treat various
ocular disorders by removing
tissue from the
cornea
The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Along with the anterior chamber and lens, the cornea refracts light, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the eye's total optical power ...
. PTK allows the removal of superficial
corneal opacities and surface irregularities. It is similar to
photorefractive keratectomy
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy (or laser epithelial keratomileusis) (LASEK) are laser eye surgery procedures intended to correct a person's vision, reducing dependency on glasses or contact lenses. ...
, which is used for the treatment of
refractive conditions. The common indications for PTK are
corneal dystrophies, scars, opacities, and
bullous keratopathy.
[ TK in the developing worldttp://www.ophthalmologyweb.com/JournalUpdates.aspx?spid=23&jid=15009]
References
External links
"Facts About The Cornea and Corneal Disease" - National Eye Institute
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Eye surgery