The excimer laser may provide a novel modality in the
treatment of a number of superficial corneal disorders. This
treatment is known a phototherapeutic keratectomy or PTK.
Whether PTK is used alone or as an adjunctive strategy in
traditional corneal surgical techniques, a number of disorders
affecting the corneal surface may be successfully treated by
taking advantage of the excimer laser's ability to meticulously
remove superficial corneal tissue. These include a variety of
corneal degenerations and dystrophies, corneal irregularities,
and superficial scars. While some of these conditions,
heretofore, could be treated by mechanical superficial
keratectomy techniques, PTK may minimize tissue removal and
surgical trauma. The smoother stromal surface achieved by the
excimer laser procedure may improve surface smoothness of the
cornea, improve postoperative corneal clarity and decrease
postoperative scarring, and facilitate subsequent epithelial
adhesion. Moreover, superficial corneal disorders which, in some
cases, would otherwise require corneal transplant may be
amenable to treatment with the PTK procedure.
