PTK (phototherapeutic keratectomy) is a 5-10 minute day-case laser treatment for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. A computer-controlled excimer laser removes the loose, poorly-anchored surface layer of the cornea and smooths Bowman's membrane, allowing the new epithelium to bond firmly. At our partner clinics PTK starts from £2,200 per eye, all-inclusive. It is performed under local anaesthetic drops with a very high success rate for stopping the repeated erosions, and most patients need only one treatment.
What is recurrent corneal erosion syndrome?
The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. Its outermost layer, the epithelium, is normally glued down tightly to the tissue beneath by a structure called the basement membrane. In recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) that anchoring is weak, so a patch of epithelium repeatedly lifts and tears away — often in the early hours of the morning as you open your eyes.
RCES usually follows a previous sharp injury to the cornea (a fingernail, paper edge or twig scratch) or is linked to an inherited condition called epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy). The classic symptoms are:
- Sudden severe eye pain, typically on waking, when the eyelid pulls the loose surface away
- Watering, redness and light sensitivity lasting minutes to hours
- A gritty, foreign-body sensation and blurred vision between episodes
- Recurring attacks in the same spot over months or years
Woken by recurring eye pain? A corneal assessment can confirm RCES and map the affected area with high-resolution topography.
Book a corneal assessmentTreatment options for recurrent erosion
Treatment follows a ladder. Many people settle with simple measures; PTK is reserved for erosions that keep coming back despite good conservative care. Your consultant will explain where you sit on this ladder.
Where dry eye or an unstable tear film is driving the erosions, we treat that in parallel — from intensive lubrication to amniotic membrane grafting for a stubborn, non-healing surface. A corneal topography scan maps the surface before any laser treatment.
What happens during PTK
PTK uses the same excimer laser platform as laser vision correction, but the goal is therapeutic — smoothing and strengthening the surface rather than changing your glasses prescription. It is performed under local anaesthetic drops and takes only a few minutes of actual laser time.
- Numbing drops are placed in the eye and a soft lid holder keeps it comfortably open.
- The loose epithelium over the affected zone is gently removed (debrided) to expose Bowman's membrane.
- The excimer laser delivers a shallow, precisely-controlled treatment — typically only a few microns deep — to smooth the surface and promote firm re-attachment.
- A soft bandage contact lens is placed to protect the eye and ease discomfort while the surface heals.
- You rest briefly and go home the same day with anaesthetic-free drops and clear aftercare instructions.
PTK is a surface treatment closely related to PRK and LASEK. Because only the very front of the cornea is treated, the structural strength of the eye is preserved.
Recovery week-by-week
The treated surface needs to re-grow a healthy epithelium, which takes a few days. Vision is blurry at first and sharpens as healing completes.
Days 1-4
The bandage lens stays in while the epithelium heals over. Expect watering, light sensitivity and a gritty ache — use the prescribed drops and pain relief. Rest the eyes.
Days 4-7
The surface has usually closed; the bandage lens is removed at review. Vision begins to clear and comfort improves markedly.
Weeks 2-4
Vision continues to sharpen. Lubricants continue and a mild steroid drop is tapered to settle the surface. Most return to normal activities.
Months 1-3
Adhesion strengthens. Night-time ointment is often continued for a period to protect the new surface. The vast majority of patients have no further erosions.
PTK cost
Our PTK prices are all-inclusive: consultant cornea assessment, corneal topography, the excimer laser treatment, theatre and hospital fees, bandage contact lens, post-op drops and follow-up reviews. There are no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: from £2,200 per eye for excimer laser PTK.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA — PTK for RCES is usually covered as a medically necessary treatment. We handle authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost.
For a wider view of surface laser pricing see our consultation cost guide and the full range of laser eye treatments.