Phototherapeutic Keratectomy PTK Minneapolis

If you have had eye trauma, injury, or corneal disease, it is possible to experience scarring to the corneal surface.

About PTK

This type of abnormality can block light from passing through the retina, leading to distorted eyesight or vision loss. It can even cause cloudiness, glare, irregular astigmatism, pain, irritation, and dry eyes. Phototherapeutic keratectomy, also known as PTK, is an innovative treatment that uses a laser to address corneal irregularities, including scar tissue. At Chu Vision Institute, we perform PTK using an excimer laser to deliver targeted heat energy to the cornea to help smooth surface abnormalities. If you have been experiencing blurry vision or pain associated with corneal scarring, we invite you to contact our office in Bloomington, MN at your earliest convenience. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu and our skilled medical team have years of training and experience in performing advanced laser treatments, like PTK.

Best Candidates For PTK

You may be a candidate for PTK if you have experienced distorted or impaired eyesight, clouding of vision, dry eyes, pain, or other symptoms of corneal disease or injury. Patients who receive this laser-assisted procedure usually have superficial or moderate corneal scarring or abnormalities. If you have very deep scars or extremely thin corneas, this treatment may not be appropriate. To determine if you qualify, Dr. Chu will perform a comprehensive eye exam. This will allow him to design a customized treatment plan to address your specific condition.

PTK Procedure Technique

PTK is done as a quick outpatient procedure, lasting about 10 – 20 minutes. The PTK procedure process is similar to LASIK or PRK, but the main difference is that PTK is not used to correct a refractive error. To begin your treatment, your eyes will be numbed with special anesthetic drops to keep you comfortable the entire time, and you may also be given a mild sedative. Dr. Chu will position a device over the treated eyes to prevent movement. Then, he will utilize the cutting-edge excimer laser to deliver focused beams of light, selectively removing only the scarred corneal tissue while preserving the healthy surrounding tissue.

Follow-Up After PTK

After your treatment, a bandage contact lens will be placed over your treated eyes to provide comfort and aid in the recovery process. A nurse of the Chu Vision Institute team will send you home with any important follow-up instructions, such as how often to administer prescribed eye drops. In addition, you may need to attend a few follow-up visits after your PTK procedure to monitor your recovery and improving eye health. Many patients report experiencing better vision within about a day of their PTK procedure with continued improvements over time. Since PTK is not a refractive vision correction procedure, you may need to continue wearing eyeglasses or contacts to sharpen your eyesight.

Client Testimonials

I was diagnosed with a cataract in my left eye in February 2005 eye doctor set me up with Dr Chu who did the surgery. I had worn glasses since the 50’s after surgery I no ...

Brenda H.

PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

Ciarra

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

Maria B.

Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

Carol K.

I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...

Judy T.

Staff are friendly, waiting time is not long. The clinic is run like a well oiled machine!

Barb H.

My vision is fantastic! Amazing stuff!

Darcie N.

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

Pattie H.

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

Carolyn S.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

Jeffrey S.

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

Brian M.

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

Kielyn S.

I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years. All annual appointments were done by caring professionals. This year, the need for cata...

Linda U.

Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...

Mara M.

Light tunable cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Everyone ...

Rick M.

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

Andrea E.

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to. They are so polite and caring. Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable. Gr...

JoEllen S.

Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...

Becky H.

If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...

Anonymous

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

Karla R.

Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing! They truly cared for...

Sherri R.

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!

I had the Implantable Contact Lens(ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I ha...

Jackie O.

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

I can now drive without glasses.

Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

Mike K.

The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

Willie F.

My life has been forever changed

I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot c...

Bridget V.

Improved Vision With PTK

If you have scarred or irregular corneal tissue, it can result in impaired or blurry vision. However, these issues can be addressed to boost your sight and eye health. Chu Vision Institute provides PTK, a newer, laser-assisted method to effectively treat scarring of the cornea. If you’d like to find out more about PTK and whether it’s a good option to treat your corneal scarring, contact our team in Bloomington, MN to book a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Chu. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and a nationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract procedures. His specialty areas include cataract, LASIK, cornea, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for patients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities areas.