What Is SBK?

Lasik has evolved over the years. Because of this, the lasik being performed today is much different than what was being performed in days of yore. Because of this, many lasik providers have sought to distinguish this version of lasik from old versions. This led to the birth of the term SBK.

SBK stands for sub-Bowman's keratomileusis (😧 no wonder you only ever hear the abbreviation SBK instead of the whole phrase). Let’s break this down. Keratomileusis = reshaping of the cornea. Remember back to when we learned what LASIK actually stands for? Yep, lasik includes the term keratomileusis as well.

Ok next step: sub-Bowman’s. The cornea exists in layers (kinda like a layer cake). The first layer is like skin elsewhere on the body called the epithelium. The third layer is called the stroma and the meat of the cornea (where laser treatments actually have their effect). What is the second layer then? You guessed it! The second layer is Bowman’s membrane sandwiched in between the epithelium and the stroma. Thus, sub-Bowman’s refers to just right underneath that layer.

So SBK essentially means that lasik is performed just right underneath the epithelium and Bowman’s membrane (by using a laser to create the flap instead of a blade). Because the lasik treatment is more shallow, this allows less of the cornea to be changed compared to an equal treatment deeper in the cornea. Less changes = improved recovery post lasik.

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