SBK LASIK Laser Vision Correction method - an alternative for LASIK and PRK

SBK LASIK is developed by surgeons, state-of-the-art method of Laser Vision Correction.

SBK LASIK Laser Vision Correction method - an alternative for LASIK and PRK

SBK LASIK is developed by surgeons, state-of-the-art method of Laser Vision Correction. Also called "sub-Bowman's keratomileusis" - is an alternative for the LASIK and PRK methods. The surgery allows to correct eye's refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism and the combinations of those.

Nowadays LASIK is most commonly performed Laser Vision Correction procedure as it requires shorter recovery period than PRK.

While performing LASIK surgery, the doctor separates a small part from the corneal epithelium and gains access to the surface of corneal tissue. After the excimer laser stimulates the cornea to reshape the separated flap goes back in place.

PRK vs. LASIK

PRK remains the oldest laser vision correction method, in many prominent medical centres its not practised anymore. Epi LASIK is a modern alternative for those patients who are not qualified for the LASIK procedure because of too thin cornea. During the PRK surgery the external layer of cornea - epithelium - is removed by a surgeon, which allows the laser to restructure the corneal tissue. Main drawback of the PRK procedure is the long recovery period and the necessity to wear special lenses that supports the regeneration of the epithelium. Nowadays, when modern, safe and requiring short (almost immediate as long as SBK is concerned) recovery methods are available, the PRK method seems archaic.

SBK LASIK vs. LASIK

However, in the SBK method, doctor separates a thinner layer - while the thickness of the layer in LASIK The SBK method and LASIK methods are much alike, because they both involve creating a flap of the cornea and modelling corneal tissue.method oscillates between 130 up to 180 microns - in SBK method it is only about 100 micrometres.

The new procedure is called "sub-Bowman's keratomileusis", because the surgeon separates a flap on the surface to fold back, for the time of the procedure, from a thin layer of the cornea called Bowman's membrane.

The thinner flap in the SBK method is not only the ideal solution for patients with thinner cornea but also minimizes the risk of occurrence of the Dry Eye Syndrome. According to the research by D. Donnenfield Eric, M.D., the postoperative Dry Eye Syndrome is related to the amount of the nerve endings, that are damaged during the flap creation.

The SBK flap is not only thinner but also smaller in diameter than its equivalent in LASIK method, which reduces the amount of irritated nerves. SBK also means lower risk of corneal ectasia, comparing to LASIK, as reducing the size of the flap also reduces the damage of the fibrils responsible for the shape of the cornea.

SBK may seem a popular alternative for LASIK method, however, there are still very few specialised surgeons who develop this area of laser surgery. Many opponents, due to lack of certain skills, consider separating a flap on Bowman's membrane as a cause of complications such as halo effect or scars and are still debating whether the benefits of the SBK method are worth the possible risk. Developing technology as well as statistics speak for themselves: the risk is slim and the benefits, including incomparable improvement in the quality of life - huge.

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