What is SBK?

Post date: Nov 22, 2011 12:36:18 AM

When you receive a consultation summary, sometimes we write "SBK" with their procedure description, but what does that mean?

SBK is short for sub-Bowman's keratomileusis. Basically, it's a thin-flap LASIK procedure. The flap is thinner than what Dr. Holzman might usually create, and the treatment zone is usually of a smaller diameter. Making these adjustments helps a patient conserve tissue.

We might choose SBK for patients that have predicted residual stromal bed tissue that nears our acceptable low-end range of 300 um. For patients that are more interested in LASIK than PRK, this is a safe option for the patient to achieve their initial vision correction. Likely, should they need an enhancement, Dr. Holzman would consider PRK over the pre-existing flap.

SBK tries to merge the positive aspects of LASIK and PRK. Patients experience little discomfort and are usually back to work the next day, like with LASIK. There is less chance of chronic dry eye and less risk for ectasia, like with PRK. The post-operative care of a SBK patient is the same as with any other LASIK procedure.

Check out this article summary. The study compared outcomes of SBK vs PRK which turn out to be quite similar. - jw