Sub-Bowman's keratomileusis (SBK) - Laser Surgery Wave of the Future?

For years now, LASIK has been the leading name in laser eye surgery. The procedure is best known for eliminating the need for glasses in cases of nearsightedness and farsightedness - otherwise known as myopia and hyperopia, respectively. LASIK also takes care of astigmatism, an optical defect that causes an irregular curve in the eye. Although LASIK has been overwhelmingly successful, a newer more precise procedure called Sub-Bowman’s Keratomileusis (SBK) is looking to be the new standard in laser eye surgery.

In the early days of laser eye surgery, doctors found that by creating a flap in the cornea they were able to reshape it and correct many common vision problems. The procedure became quite fashionable with people looking to discard their eyeglasses and contact lenses. With its widespread popularity, laser eye surgery became both relatively affordable and safe.

Still, LASIK and its lesser-known counterpart photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) had several minor drawbacks and possible complications. Although these side effects were infrequent, patients who underwent LASIK surgery would often complain of dry eyes and in rarer cases, patients could find themselves suffering from ectasia, a bulging of the cornea caused by a lack of structural integrity in the wall of the eye. People with thin corneas were discouraged from undergoing LASIK because of that possibility.

PRK, on the other hand, was safer for people with slender corneas. This procedure, however, had a long and painful recovery time. In many cases, patients weren’t able to drive for over a week and their eyesight wouldn’t recover to a full 20/20 for over a month. This surgery was definitely not for people who were on the go.

SBK is shaping up to be the quick and painless surgery that combines the safety of PRK with the quick recovery time of LASIK surgery. By using a femtolaser, ophthalmic surgeons are able to cut a thinner flap of shorter length into the Sub-Bowman’s membrane, preserving the structural integrity of the eye while molding the cornea into a preferred shape.

After SBK surgery, patients reported fewer cases of dry eye - a side effect most associated with LASIK - their eyes were less sensitive to light and the chances for ectasia and other serious complications were considerably diminished. Complications, overall, were low. And recovery time from SBK was comparable to that of LASIK surgery. Patients were able to drive after a day and the majority of SBK patients had restored vision a month after the surgery. There was a higher rate of patient satisfaction with SBK as well.

There were some reports of scarring and hazing attributed to SBK surgery, but the likelihood was uncommon.

In the future, SBK may be as popular as LASIK is now. It seems to grant all the benefits while having fewer drawbacks. SBK appears to be emerging as the premiere form of laser eye surgery.

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