Message from the Medical Director

People have been asking ‘What is Intralase SBK and how does it differ from other procedures?”

Simply stated, Intralase SBK is an advanced form of surface ablation that allows patients a visual recovery time measured in hours rather than days.

The slightly more detailed explanation about this exciting, proven advancement in laser vision correction is that SBK is a two-stage procedure comprising the removal and retention of the epithelial layer by the femtosecond Intralase laser and the traditional excimer laser to correct the refractive error. 

The term SBK refers to the part of the cornea where the cleavage plane is created: the Sub-Bowman’s layer in the anterior part of the cornea.  This prevents almost all the potential complications of the traditional LASIK flap, (decreasing the structural integrity of the cornea, a 30-plus percentage incidence of dry eyes, and susceptibility to trauma) while providing post operative comfort and rapid visual recovery.

SBK is now approved, because of its safety and quick visual recovery, for U.S. military pilots and astronauts. 

Intralase SBK and PRK are both considered “surface ablation” procedures; proven to be the safest means of providing laser vision correction.