Postoperative care instructions for patients following Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK)

You need to wear an Eye-shield at night for 2 weeks following your surgery. This will be given to you before you leave the Laser Centre.

You will have a Bandage Contact Lens in your treated eye. This will be removed (and possibly replaced) after 3-4 days post-operatively.

Your postoperative drop regime will consist of three bottles of drops. Voltarol drops, Betnesol N drops (or Maxitrol depending on the current supply demand) and Tears Naturale drops. These are to be used every 2 hours in the treated eye/eyes until further notice. The Voltarol drops are to be discontinued after 48 hours. The Tears Naturale may, in addition, be used in between times on a PRN (ie as required basis). It is vital that the normal hygiene standards are followed - hand washing before and after drops are instilled.

You must not swim in a swimming pool for up to 4 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for up to 2 weeks following surgery.

You must not rub your eye that has had surgery for up to 4 weeks following Laser surgery.

It is not unusual for your treated eye to be very sore for the first few days. You will have been given a prescription for pain & sedation and you should use the medication as directed.

It is not unusual for your eye to be slightly blurred following surgery. This may take some time to settle down and occasionally patients have to accept some loss of vision in exchange for a comfortable eye in the long term.

It is very important to follow these instructions as failure to do so may affect the outcome of your surgery.