PTK in Bowie, MD

Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a laser procedure used to remove cloudiness and other corneal irregularities, such as scar tissue, caused by cornea disease, injury, or trauma. These irregularities can cause patients to experience blurred vision, irregular astigmatism, dry eyes, irritation, and even pain. PTK is the go-to procedure when the corneal irregularities are deeper than the top superficial layer of the cornea. Due to the removal of the damaged or diseased tissue, a patient's best, uncorrected vision may decline; however, corrected vision (with glasses or contacts) should significantly improve.

Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons is home to some of the most knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced ophthalmologists and surgeons in the Washington metro area. If you have corneal damage or disease and would like to find out if PTK could improve your vision, contact us at our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD office today.

Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is best suited for patients who have opacities, vision impairment, discomfort, dry eye, or other symptoms stemming from corneal disease or trauma. The best candidates for PTK are those whose corneal irregularities or opacities are present below the epithelium in the middle and lower-middle layers of the cornea. Patients whose corneal problems are in the epithelium may only need a superficial keratectomy.

Patients who suffer from certain systemic health issues, like autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, may not be candidates for PTK. During your evaluation and exam at Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Dr. Solomon will be able to determine whether PTK, superficial keratectomy, or another treatment is best for you.

PTK is a very quick procedure that generally only takes about 15 minutes. The process of PTK is very similar to the LASIK procedure, though the two are performed for different purposes.

Prior to your procedure, your eyes will be totally numbed so there is no chance that you will feel any discomfort. We will place a device over the eye that will prevent it from moving during the procedure, and then your surgeon will use advanced laser technology to precisely remove the target tissue. Once the surgery is complete, we will apply a bandage contact lens to the eye that will help it heal and will also minimize your discomfort.

After your PTK procedure, we will schedule you to come back to Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons for one or more follow-up appointments so we can closely monitor your healing and vision progress. You will be given prescriptions for eye drops that you'll need to use for several weeks that will help prevent infection and keep your eyes lubricated. Many patients report having much better vision as soon as 24 hours after their procedure, and results continue to improve for the next several days or weeks.                        

Poor vision from corneal disease does not always have to be a life sentence. For many patients, procedures to remove corneal damage or diseased corneal tissue can improve vision significantly with long-term results. If you would like to learn more about PTK, superficial keratectomy, or other treatments for corneal disorders, call or come by our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD offices to set up your consultation.