Sub-Bowmans Keratomileusis (SBK) is a term used to describe
Lasik with a very thin flap to gain advantages of both
Lasik and
All-Laser Lasik, but also some of the advantages of
PRK,
LASEK and
Epi-Lasik.
A disadvantage of a surface ablation technique like PRK, LASEK,
and Epi-Lasik is that the wound response can cause discomfort and
delayed vision recovery. Lasik and All-Laser Lasik apply the laser
energy under a flap of corneal tissue. By applying the laser energy
under this flap, the eye is "fooled" into not realizing it has had
surgery and the wound response is muted.
An advantage of a surface ablation technique like PRK, LASEK,
and Epi-Lasik is that tissue is disrupted less deep in the cornea,
which is believed to contribute to a lower incidence of surgery
induced dry eye and provides added stability for thinner corneas.
SBK is an attempt to gain the advantage of the muted wound response
found in Lasik and "all laser" Lasik, but also gain the lower incidence
of surgery induced dry eye found in PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik and
greater stability for thin corneas.
SBK can be performed with conventional or
wavefront-guided laser ablation. For details of the process
of SBK see
Lasik or
All-Laser
Lasik.
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or wavefront custom Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik,
NearVision CK,
RLE, or any
refractive surgery procedure, we highly recommend you consider
a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes
nonprofit organization. Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified
Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Doctor.
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