The idea of phototherapeutic keratectomy [PTK] was to ablate the pathologic areas of the cornea by using high energy ultraviolet [UV] light with a precision so as not to injure the normal corneal tissue. Soon it was realized that PTK has many potential advantages over the mechanical techniques of keratectomy. PTK has an excellent cutting precision. Wound healing and reepithelialization proceeds smoothly and shortly after the procedure with minimal tissue reorganization, this is in contrast to the incision made with diamond or steel blades that produce more irregular and diffuse tissue damage. Uses of PTK include treatment of corneal opacities resulting from the trauma (surgical and non surgical), inflammations, dystrophies, and degeneration limited to the anterior corneal layers. It is used also to treat complications of photorefractive keratectomy. Flattening of the central cornea with hyperopic shift and astigmatism are considered the principal side effects of PTK. Other minor complications include sub-epithelial haze, postoperative pain, and reactivation of herpetic lesions. Many patients are currently treated with PTK to reduce the chance of needing penetrating keratoplasty (PK)