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Phototherapeutic
keratectomy (PTK) is one of the latest advances in
eye care for the treatment of corneal dystrophies,
corneal scars, and certain corneal infections.
Only a short time ago, people with these disorders
would most likely have needed a corneal transplant.
By combining the precision of the excimer laser with
the control of a computer, doctors can vaporize
microscopically thin layers of diseased corneal
tissue and etch away the surface irregularities
associated with many corneal dystrophies and scars.
Surrounding areas suffer relatively little trauma.
New tissue can then grow over the now-smooth
surface.
Recovery from the procedure takes a matter of days,
rather than months as with a transplant. The return
of vision can occur rapidly, especially if the cause
of the problem is confined to the top layer of the
cornea.
Studies have shown close to an 85 percent success
rate in corneal repair using PTK for well-selected
patients. PTK has been approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration
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