Role of Phototherapeutic Keratectomy in treatment of various corneal lesions

Abstract

Eye diseases affecting the cornea are a major cause of blindness worldwide. The epidemiology of corneal diseases is complicated and encompasses a wide variety of infectious, inflammatory and degenerative eye diseases that can cause corneal scarring, which ultimately leads to impaired vision. In addition, the prevalence of corneal disease varies from country to country and even from one population to another depending on many factors, such as availability and general standards of eye care. Dystrophies of the cornea, infectious and noninfectious scars are the most common corneal causes of potentially reversible visual deterioration. PTK involves the removal of the superficial corneal tissue with an excimer laser for therapeutic purposes. PTK has been used in the management of corneal pathologies for over two decades. It has several advantages such as precise control of the depth of ablation, fast postoperative recovery, ease of use, creation of a smooth base for corneal re- epithelialization and the ability to repeat treatment if required.