Phototherapeutic keratectomy: who are the best candidates and how do you treat them?
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the primary types of lesions most amenable to excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and the specific techniques to best treat each of these disorders.


RESULTS
Elevated and anterior stromal lesions respond best to PTK. PTK can also be used to effectively treat recurrent erosions. Smoothing agents and intraoperative mitomycin C can be helpful for certain disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
The preoperative evaluation is very important in order to establish whether the eye is a good candidate for excimer laser PTK. Careful slit lamp evaluation and ancillary testing can not only determine how good a candidate they are but just as importantly, the best surgical approach. Surgeons and patients need to understand the limitations of PTK for proper informed consent. PTK is a minimally invasive procedure that is often successful in delaying or avoiding more aggressive corneal surgeries.
Rapuano
Christopher J
CJ
Cornea Service, Wills Eye Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA. cjrapuano@willseye.org
D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018579:Patient Selection; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy