Details.
PTK involves removing the epithelium, the outer skin of the cornea, and applying excimer laser treatment to the corneal surface. The goal is to produce a smoother and clearer cornea and enable the epithelium to bond better to the rest of the cornea. During the procedure, anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye, the eyelids are held open, the epithelium is removed, and the laser treats the cornea. The laser treatment takes less than 1 or 2 minutes, depending on the amount of treatment needed. A bandage contact lens is placed in the eye afterwards. Vision may be blurry or hazy for the first few days, with discomfort, grittiness, redness, watering and light sensitivity while the epithelium heals. Cool compresses, pain tablets and eye drops may be used to minimise discomfort. An eye pad may be used for 2 days, or a soft bandage contact lens for up to 1 week. Most patients resume normal activities after the first week, although vision can fluctuate for up to six months.
