See the Truth: 4 Myths About SBK (Modern LASIK)

There are several misconceptions floating around about Sub-Bowman’s Keratomileusis (SBK), or “modern LASIK.” These misconceptions might cause you to avoid or refuse a procedure that could greatly increase your quality of life.

So here are the facts: SBK is an incredibly safe and rewarding procedure, with over 96 percent reported patient satisfaction.

Did you know that LASIK is the most successful elective medical procedure in history?

And while 9 million procedures have been performed over the last 25 years, SBK is very different from what LASIK was at the beginning.

Many of the reasons that people avoid SBK are based on a misunderstanding of the risks or how the procedure works. But when people know the facts, they’re more likely to have the procedure done. In fact, LASIK surgeons themselves — including Dr. Emmert-Buck — and their immediate family members undergo the procedure at a rate of nearly five times the general population because they believe in the technology and its overwhelming benefits.

Here are 4 of the most common myths about SBK and LASIK, and the truths that debunk them:

1. SBK Is More Dangerous Than Wearing Contacts

Many people continue to wear contact lenses as opposed to getting SBK because they believe it’s safer. But studies show that contact wearers have a one in 2,000 chance of developing complications, as opposed to a one in 10,000 chance with LASIK. Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in 2017 concluded that over time the risk for infection was higher for overnight contact lens wear compared to LASIK.

Meanwhile, a 2016 study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that for people who received LASIK compared to people who wore contacts, “current LASIK technology improved ease of night driving, did not significantly increase dry eye symptoms, and resulted in higher levels of satisfaction at one, two, and three years follow-up.”

The study compared how happy 1,800 people were with their choice of vision correction over a three-year period. During that time period, most LASIK patients said they could drive better at night after the procedure than with contacts or glasses. They also reported fewer eye infections, ulcers and abrasions. Meanwhile 88 percent of former contact lens wearers and 77 percent of former glasses wearers said they were “strongly satisfied” with LASIK at the third year.

2. You Can Only Use SBK To Treat Nearsightedness (Myopia)

A misconception that some people have is that SBK only treats a specific kind of vision loss, namely, nearsightedness. But at Capstone, we use SBK to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

At Capstone, by using our state-of-the-art diagnostic machines and Dr. Emmert-Buck’s expertise, we will make sure you are a good candidate for a procedure. We will not hesitate to tell you if your eyes do not qualify.

To see if you’re eligible for SBK, fill out this simple form. We’ll contact you with the results and schedule a free screening for further evaluation.

3. SBK Is A Long, Painful Procedure

When you think of medical procedures, especially those that involve your eyes, you might be understandably worried. You will be taken care of if you have a procedure at Capstone. We will be with you the entire time. You may worry about how you keep your eye open or how you keep your head still during the procedure. We gently hold your eye lids open and use a pillow that fits around your head so you don’t even need to think about these issues. We will talk you through it all.

And you might tend to think of something that’s long, drawn-out, and painful. But this cannot be further from the truth for patients who undergo the SBK procedure.

Most of our clients are only in our suite between 20 and 30 minutes, and on-site for no longer than 90 minutes. The actual treatment is usually less than a minute! Most clients only feel a very brief minimal amount of pressure.

4. It Takes A Long Time To Recover From an SBK Procedure

Some people are wary of SBK because they think there will be a long recovery period. If you’re especially busy with work, you likely don’t have the time to be without your vision for days on end. We get that. Luckily, with SBK you don’t have to be.

Most of our clients are able to return to work the day after their surgery.

We do recommend that you go home immediately after the surgery and rest, and we will also want to see you the next day for a post-operative visit. But in most cases, you are free to get back to work after your appointment.

If you have any further questions about SBK or want to schedule an appointment to discuss your options with Dr. Emmert-Buck, contact Capstone Vision today by clicking here or give us a call.

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