[Chinese expert consensus on phototherapeutic keratectomy (2026)].

Diseases of the corneal epithelium, Bowman's membrane, and anterior stroma can cause recurrent eye pain, photophobia, tearing or vision loss. Among various treatment methods, phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) has been increasingly widely used in clinical practice due to its advantages of simplicity, precision, safety, and low risk of postoperative irregular astigmatism. In China, however, the lack of consensus regarding the scope of corneal diseases eligible for PTK and the clinicians' insufficient understanding of this treatment pose challenges to clinical work. To provide guidance for the rational clinical application, the Cornea Group of Ophthalmology Branch of Chinese Medical Association has developed consensus opinions on surgical indications, contraindications, perioperative management, and postoperative complication prevention and treatment of PTK by adopting the Delphi method combined with face-to-face meetings and drawing upon the latest domestic and foreign research results and domestic clinical experience.