Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK)

This treatment is sometimes performed for patients who repeatedly experience corneal injuries, known as recurrent erosions.

PTK is also used for individuals with map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy of the cornea, who may also suffer from recurrent erosions or poor vision due to irregular epithelium.

In PTK, the epithelium is first completely removed. This can be done mechanically or using alcohol. If the epithelium is removed by the laser itself, it is referred to as TransPTK.

Next, a very thin layer of tissue is removed using excimer laser beams. This makes the stromal surface, to which the epithelium must adhere, smooth and regular again.

The laser treatment using PTK is performed under topical anesthesia. PTK is not painful during the procedure, but the patient experiences significant pain once the anesthetic wears off.

There is a significant corneal wound that usually heals within three days. During these three days, the patient wears a bandage contact lens or pressure bandage and receives prescribed pain medication and eye drops.

The eye will be checked daily during consultations at the Winksele Eye Clinic to ensure proper healing and to prevent infection.

After three days, pain usually subsides, and vision gradually improves over the following weeks.

PTK costs €650.

Since PTK is a relatively costly and very painful treatment, it is only used when eye drops and ointments, pressure bandages, and contact lenses provide insufficient relief. 

The success rate of PTK is approximately 90%.

For pain:

• Paracetamol 1g: max 4x/day (every 6 hours)
• Ibuprofen EG tablets 400 mg: up to 3x per day from the second day (every 8 hours)
• Tradonal 50mg ODIS melt tablet:some text
  • Max 3x/day every 8 hours
  • Only when additional pain medication is needed and prescribed by the doctor on the day of the treatment

For sleep:

• Xanax 0.5mg provided by the doctor on the day of the treatment

For eye medication:

• Trafloxal eye drops: 3x/day until the epithelium is closed (usually 3-4 days)
• FML drops:some text
  • 4x/day, start only after advice from the ophthalmologist when the epithelial defect is closed
  • First week: 4x 1 drop per day
  • Second week: 3x 1 drop per day
  • Third week: 2x 1 drop per day
  • Fourth week: 1x 1 drop per day

• You may wear contact lenses on the day of the procedure
• Do not wear eyelash extensions
• Do not apply makeup
• You do not need to fast
• Use the prescribed drops
• Arrange for a driver
• Avoid scheduling (important) tasks for the rest of the day and the following days

• The laser treatment takes place at UZ Gasthuisberg.
• Sometimes, an examination by Dr. De Blauwe is conducted beforehand at the consultation (Oranje Street, Gate 2, Floor 3). The procedure is discussed, and you have time to ask questions.
• Afterward, you proceed to Day Hospital 3 (Oranje Street, Gate 7, Floor -1).
• You will be prepared in the preparation room by a skilled nurse, who can also answer any practical questions you have. You will receive a calming pill, such as Xanax.
• In the operating room, your eye will be numbed with drops, disinfected, and further prepared.
• The procedure lasts about 15 minutes.
• You can go home immediately after the procedure. In total, you will spend approximately 1.5 hours in the hospital.