What is PTK eye surgery?

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) is an excimer laser surgical procedure that removes roughness or cloudiness from the cornea.

Can EBMD be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for EBMD. Corneal erosions can recur, making a repeat surgery necessary.

Does map dystrophy cause blindness?

This condition is common, treatable, and rarely leads to significant vision loss.

How common is EBMD?

EBMD affects nearly 42% of individuals across all age groups, and as many as 76% of individuals worldwide who are over the age of 50. 1 Up to 33% of patients with EBMD experience severe RCE during their lifetime.

How painful is PTK?

You may experience discomfort while the contact lenses are in your eyes. The level of discomfort varies significantly from patient to patient after PTK. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be taken as required.

Is PTK the same as LASIK?

The main difference is that PTK is used to treat the surface level corneal disease and not to correct vision. LASIK is a vision correction procedure performed to remove the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. In LASIK a flap is created. In PTK no flap is created, and no vision correction reshaping is done.

Is EBMD hereditary?

EBMD usually affects both eyes. EBMD usually is not inherited, occurring randomly in people with no family history of EBMD. However, familial cases with autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported. In some people with EBMD, a genetic change in the TGFBI gene has been identified as the cause.

Can cataract cause EBMD?

Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) can be seen in patients both prior to cataract surgery and after cataract surgery. Kourtney Houser, MD, said this is one of the more frequently diagnosed causes of blurry vision before or after cataract surgery, and it can be the result of long-term dry eyes.

What is the treatment for map dot dystrophy?

The procedure to remove the epithelium is called a Superficial Keratectomy (Super K). This is an in office procedure to remove the epithelium and any redundant subepithelial tissue with a spud and diamond burr instrument. A bandage contact lens is then placed to help with discomfort and healing.

Is map dot dystrophy painful?

Most people never know that they have map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, since they do not have any pain or vision loss. However, if treatment is needed, doctors will try to control the pain associated with the epithelial erosions. They may patch the eye to immobilize it, or prescribe lubricating eye drops and ointments.

How long does it take for a cornea to heal after a PTK?

Complete recovery takes 3 to 6 months. It is not unusual to experience dryness, tearing or a foreign body (eyelash-in-the-eye) sensation for a day or two after the contact lenses are removed.

How long is recovery from PTK surgery?

When Will I Be Able to Drive After PTK? You will need to plan on having someone drive you to your appointment and be there to drive you home. During the next few days, you should plan on resting at home. It will take seven to ten days before your eyesight begins to stabilize.