PTK laser treatment
Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) is a laser treatment used to smooth the corneal surface.
Therapeutic laser treatment
Certain corneal surface conditions can cause discomfort, glare, or blurred vision. These include superficial corneal scars (often from foreign bodies, infections, or past injuries), recurrent corneal erosions (RCES), and other surface irregularities that prevent the cornea from healing smoothly.
Unlike laser treatments designed to correct glasses prescriptions, PTK has a therapeutic purpose: it uses an excimer laser to precisely remove damaged or irregular layers of the cornea, allowing new, healthy tissue to regenerate. This helps restore comfort, improve clarity, and reduce the recurrence of painful erosions.
How PTK treatment feels
The laser procedure is performed under anaesthetic eye drops and usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. A bandage contact lens is placed afterward to protect the eye while it heals, supported by prescription drops to aid recovery.
By combining laser precision with therapeutic care, PTK offers a safe and effective way to restore the cornea’s smoothness and improve visual quality for patients living with surface-related corneal problems.
PTK treatment is tailored for you
Before recommending PTK, your surgeon will perform a comprehensive assessment, including corneal topography and advanced imaging, to determine the exact depth and area requiring treatment. This ensures a personalised plan tailored to your specific condition.
Meet our surgeons
PTK laser treatment is performed by two of New Zealand’s leading corneal surgeons, who work alongside an experienced clinical support team.
Dr Elizabeth Conner
MBChB, BMedSci, FRANZCO
Dr John Rawstron
MB ChB, MPH, GDipM (Refract Surg), FRANZCO
Dr Rawstron, one of New Zealand’s leading cornea surgeons, brings international surgical qualifications and fellowship training to the SES team. In addition to LASIK, SMILE pro, PRK and lens surgery procedures, he specialises in corneal transplants and cataract surgery as part of Southern Eye Specialists’ broader ophthalmology services.
