The LTK Procedure
Laser thermokeratoplasy (LTK) is a newly FDA approved procedure to correct far-sightness or hyperopia. Guided by a computer, laser spots are placed around the mid-periphery of the cornea in a symmetrical fashion without touching the eye to steepen the cornea.
The procedure takes place in the laser suite, not in the operating room, and the whole treatment including preparation takes about 10 minutes.
One eye is treated at a time with no pain or discomfort. Almost immediately the patient will notice an improvement in near vision and will be able to read without glasses! This ability will gradually diminish, but the distance vision will then improve dramatically. Some patients may benefit from mono-vision treatment, with the dominant eye treated for distance, and the non-dominant eye for reading. A contact lens trial will often help to decide what best suits the patient's needs.
LTK Facts:
- LTK offers a breakthrough,
safe, no touch procedure - there is no cutting or removal of
corneal tissue. It is the first refractive laser procedures
specifically designed to reduce hyperopia, which is more commonly
known as farsightedness.
- Unlike other refractive
procedures, LTK is only available to people age 40 and over.
As people reach 40, they are likely to become hyperopic, and
often need reading glasses or bifocals to correct their vision.
Farsightedness occurs in more than 77 million Americans.
- LTK has been performed
for over five years in Europe and was approved by the FDA in
summer 2000. EyeSight Laser Atlanta is one of the first refractive
surgical centers in the nation to offer LTK.
- LTK is completely
safe. The combination of no cutting and treatment outside of
the optical zone makes LTK very safe. In U.S. clinical trials,
the procedure met or exceeded all safety requirements for refractive
laser surgery set by the FDA, and the procedure is so safe that
both eyes can be treated on the same day.
- LTK is extremely fast, convenient and effective.
The actual laser time is
only about three seconds per eye and patients are often reading a magazine without any corrective glasses within 15 minutes after the procedure. Healing time is quick and there is much less risk of infection or complications. Patients are typically out the door 30 minutes after the treatment and can return to work or resume their regular activities the next day.
For more information about LTK, please visit the Sunrise LTK website.
