Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a type of eye surgery

Eye surgery

Eye surgery, also known as orogolomistician surgery or ocular surgery, is surgery performed on the eye or its adnexa, typically by an ophthalmologist.-Preparation and precautions:...

 that uses a laser

Laser

A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...

 to treat various ocular disorders by removing tissue from the cornea

Cornea

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Together with the lens, the cornea refracts light, with the cornea accounting for approximately two-thirds of the eye's total optical power. In humans, the refractive power of the cornea is...

. PTK allows the removal of superficial corneal opacities and surface irregularities. It is similar to photorefractive keratectomy

Photorefractive keratectomy

Photorefractive keratectomy and Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy are laser eye surgery procedures intended to correct a person's vision, reducing dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The first PRK procedure was performed in 1987 by Dr. Theo Seiler, then at the Free University...

 which is used for the treatment of refractive conditions

Refractive error

A refractive error, or refraction error, is an error in the focusing of light by the eye and a frequent reason for reduced visual acuity.-Classification:...

.
The common indications for PTK are corneal dystrophies, scars, opacities, bullous keratopathy.

External links

• "Facts About The Cornea and Corneal Disease" - National Eye Institute