Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with excimer laser is a surgical technique used to regularize the corneal surface and remove opacities with the aim of restoring corneal transparency, allowing light and images to pass into the eye, and attempting to resolve the corneal disease.
PTK consists of applying, for a few seconds, a diluted alcohol solution on the corneal epithelium to harden it and allow its dissection. After removing the outer layer of the cornea, excimer laser impacts are applied to the area to be treated in order to eliminate the opacified or damaged zone and restore visual acuity.
It is performed under local anesthesia in the operating room with the necessary sterile measures. After surgery, tearing, eye redness, and various discomforts may appear, which disappear after a few days.