News. Laser Vision correction. ArtLife Ophtalmologic Centre

EBK laser vision correction method - is it something new? How it works? How is it different from other methods.

23.03.2016

Many laser vision correction clinics offer a ‘new’ method of correction – EBK.

Is EBK that new, safe or better...?

Every method of laser vision correction is safe and carefully designed to correct vision impairments. During the qualifying examination each patient is thoroughly examined by the doctor who then chooses the most appropriate method with a regard to patient’s characteristics such as shape of the eye and refractive error.
The methods of laser vision correction can be generally divided into two groups as there are two ways of preparing the eye for the operation:

  • creating a corneal flap using microkeratome or laser (LASIK, SBK LASIK, FemtoLASIK)
  • removing the corneal epithelium with microkeratome, laser or surgical tools (PRK, TransPRK, Epi-LASIK, EBK)

The first type of methods (LASIK, SBK LASIK, FemtoLASIK) is followed by an almost instant recovery – the patient usually feels no discomfort or pain on the following day and is free to go back to his daily routine.
The methods of the second type are usually connected with slightly longer recovery period (3-5 days) and severe pain. That is why, in our Centre, the latter methods (removal of epithelium) are only used when, due to medical contraindications, an operation using the first type of methods cannot be performed.
So called ‘new EBK’ is a method which can be used to treat short -sightedness ranging from -1D to -8D, long-sightedness up to +4D and astigmatism up to +2,5D. It is a slightly modified version of PRK method. The only difference is in a tool that is used to prepare the cornea – the tool used in EBK is called EpiClear.

EBK is used very rarely, only when requirements for Epi-LASIK or SBK LASIK (the most popular procedure in ArtLife) procedures are not met. Such situation may occur when the eyes are too narrow and too deeply situated in the orbit or the cornea is too thin. However, due to severe pain after EBK (lasting for 3-5 days) procedure and extended recovery period (during which additional drugs need to be taken), it is only used when no other methods are available.

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