Sub-Bowman’s Keratomileusis (SBK)

SBK (Sub-Bowman’s Keratomileusis) is a procedure similar to LASIK and PRK. SBK provides the same vision correction as the LASIK and PRK procedures, but it is less likely to cause complications. Sub-Bowman refers to the depth of the flap that is created during the procedure. The Bowman’s membrane is a thin later of the cornea that separates the outer epithelium from the corneal tissue that is reshaped by the laser during LASIK, PRK, and SBK.

While LASIK is a very popular and beneficial procedure, it has been associated with certain side effects, especially dry eye, and sensitivity to light. To learn more about the LASIK procedure, please visit How LASIK Works.

PRK is also a vision correction procedure used instead of LASIK if the patient’s cornea is too thin for traditional LASIK. PRK is less popular than the LASIK procedure because there is a longer recovery time and a significant discomfort for the patient after the surgery. Learn more about PRK.

SBK is a combination of the benefits of the LASIK and PRK procedures. SBK uses a femtosecond laser to create a flap just like during LASIK, but the flap is considerably thinner. The thinner flap preserves the structural integrity of the eye while allowing the cornea to still be molded to correct the patient’s vision problems. It also provides a faster visual recovery time and a more comfortable procedure. The SBK flap is also smaller in diameter, which leads to damaging fewer corneal nerve endings during the procedure. The damaged corneal nerve endings are what cause dry eye, the most common side effect with the traditional LASIK procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about SBK please contact us!