Philosophy and technique for excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy.

Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with the excimer laser has been shown to be effective in removing anterior corneal pathology and smoothing surface irregularities. Blocking agents are important in PTK. The techniques we present seek to balance therapeutic effect and refractive error change. Successful PTK depends on thorough preoperative assessment and attention to intraoperative detail. Clinical research has demonstrated that the excimer laser is an effective tool, not only for correcting myopic refractive errors, but also for treating various types of anterior corneal pathology. We present our PTK techniques that reflect recent refinements.