EBK — Quick Answers
- How much does the EBK procedure cost? The price is determined according to the surface procedure price list after a qualification examination costing PLN 400, with Trans-PRK smart surFace serving as a reference point at PLN 10,000 for both eyes.
- Who is the EBK method particularly recommended for? The EBK method is primarily recommended for individuals exposed to eye injuries – police officers, soldiers, firefighters, and those participating in contact sports.
- Does the EBK procedure hurt? The procedure itself is painless thanks to anesthetic drops.
- How long does epithelial regeneration take after an EBK procedure? Epithelial regeneration occurs 3-4 days after the procedure.
- What range of vision defects does the EBK method correct? The procedure is primarily dedicated to individuals with thin but healthy corneas, correcting defects ranging from -8 to +3 diopters and astigmatism up to 5 diopters.
EBK Surface Procedures
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
EBKTM (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy) is a laser vision correction method that allows for corneal reshaping. It is classified as a surface procedure.
Who is the EBK method recommended for?
The EBK method is recommended for individuals exposed to eye injuries (e.g., police officers, soldiers, firefighters, and those participating in contact sports).
What is EBKTM (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy)?
EBKTM (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy) is a laser vision correction method that allows for corneal reshaping. It is classified as a surface procedure. This means that the epithelium from the corneal surface is gently removed, allowing the laser to correct the vision defect. The corneal reshaping process is performed using an excimer laser.
Healing after the procedure and epithelial regeneration
In surface methods, the removed epithelium undergoes natural regeneration after the procedure. Surface methods are characterized by a slightly longer healing time and a smaller range of correctable defects than deep methods. Epithelial regeneration occurs 3-4 days after the procedure. To accelerate healing and reduce the pain associated with eye recovery, a therapeutic contact lens is applied after the procedure.
EBK as a modification of LASEK and PRK methods
EBK is a modification of the LASEK and PRK methods. The epithelium is precisely removed with an Epi-Clear knife, which gently and in a fully controlled manner prepares the cornea for the procedure, leaving its deeper layers intact. Compared to other surface methods, after EBK, the epithelium regenerates up to twice as fast, and the regeneration process is milder than in other surface methods. The EBK method is the first-choice method for a relatively small group of patients. The range of correctable defects is small: from -8 D to +3 D, astigmatism up to 5 D, with the procedure primarily dedicated to individuals with thin but healthy corneas. EBK can be applied when the patient has deep eye sockets, narrow palpebral fissures, or an unusually flat or steep cornea. It can be performed on patients with recurrent erosions and epithelial basement membrane degenerations, as well as those for whom there is a clear contraindication to LASIK-type procedures (LASIK, FEMTOLASIK, VLASIK®).
EBK – in brief
EBK (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy) is a surface method in which the corneal epithelium is removed with an Epi-Clear knife – without alcohol and without interfering with deeper layers. Then, the SCHWIND Amaris excimer laser reshapes the cornea. This is a modification of the LASEK and PRK methods for a relatively small group of patients.
- Range of defects: from -8 D to +3 D, astigmatism up to 5 D
- For whom: thin but healthy cornea; deep-set eyes, narrow palpebral fissures, unusually flat or steep cornea; recurrent epithelial erosions; risk of eye injury
- Healing: epithelial regeneration faster and gentler than with PRK/LASEK, therapeutic contact lens for the first few days
- Sick leave: usually 5–7 days, as with other surface methods
- Price: according to the surface procedure price list, reference point Trans-PRK PLN 10,000 for both eyes; qualification PLN 400
- Warranty: up to 5 years; Warsaw and Krakow
EBK or Trans-PRK?
| EBK | Trans-PRK smart surFace | |
|---|---|---|
| Epithelium removal | Epi-Clear knife, mechanically, without alcohol | excimer laser, touch-free |
| Instrument contact with eye | yes | no |
| Primarily for whom | unusual orbit and corneal anatomy, recurrent erosions | standard surface procedure, thin cornea |
| Epithelial regeneration | faster than PRK/LASEK | 3–4 days |
| Price for Both Eyes | according to price list, after qualification | PLN 10,000 |
Is laser vision correction painful?
What influences the choice of the appropriate procedure for our patients?
How much does the EBK procedure cost?
The price of a surface procedure depends on the technique chosen during qualification – an indicative reference point is Trans-PRK smart surFace: PLN 10,000 for both eyes. A precise quote is provided after the qualification examination (PLN 400).
- 2 check-ups within the first month included in the package
- installment payment option (Santander Consumer Bank)
- qualification examination: 400 zł
How the EBK procedure works – step by step
- Qualification examination: assessment of corneal thickness and regularity.
- Day of procedure: the epithelium is gently removed with an Epi-Clear instrument – without alcohol or chemicals.
- Correction: the excimer laser reshapes the cornea; deeper layers remain untouched.
- Protection: therapeutic contact lens for 3–4 days of healing.
Recovery Day by Day
- Days 1–3: epithelial healing – discomfort alleviated with drops; after EBK, the epithelium regenerates approximately twice as fast as after classic PRK.
- Days 3–4: removal of the therapeutic contact lens.
- First weeks: gradual improvement of visual acuity, check-ups according to plan.
Safety and Possible Side Effects – Honestly
Surface methods do not create a corneal flap – thus eliminating associated risks and are safe even for physically active individuals. Honestly, however: the first 2–3 days after the procedure can be painful (epithelial healing), and some patients temporarily experience vision haze or dry eye. Full sharpness stabilizes within 3–4 months. We discuss individual risks during the qualification examination.
Expert Commentary
“EBK is my recommendation for police officers, soldiers, and contact sports athletes: no flap means that even an eye injury will not jeopardize the correction effect. The gentle, mechanical removal of the epithelium with the Epi-Clear instrument accelerates healing.”
Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – refractive surgeon, over 25,000 laser procedures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the EBK procedure?
EBK (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy) is one of the surface methods of laser vision correction. The epithelium from the corneal surface is gently removed, and then an excimer laser reshapes the cornea and corrects the vision defect. The deeper layers of the cornea remain untouched.
Who is the EBK method particularly recommended for?
The EBK method is primarily recommended for individuals exposed to eye injuries – police officers, soldiers, firefighters, and those participating in contact sports. Since it is a surface method, no corneal flap is created that could be damaged in case of injury.
Who qualifies for the EBK procedure?
The procedure is primarily dedicated to individuals with a thin but healthy cornea, and the range of correctable defects is from -8 to +3 diopters and astigmatism up to 5 diopters. EBK can also be used for deep-set eyes, narrow palpebral fissures, unusually flat or steep corneas, recurrent epithelial erosions, basement membrane degenerations, and in patients with clear contraindications to LASIK-type methods. The doctor decides on qualification after a preliminary examination.
How long does epithelial regeneration take after the EBK procedure?
Epithelial regeneration occurs 3-4 days after the procedure. To accelerate it and reduce pain associated with healing, a therapeutic contact lens is applied after the procedure. It is worth adding that after EBK, the epithelium regenerates up to twice as fast as after other surface methods, and the regeneration process is gentler.
How does EBK differ from LASEK and PRK methods?
EBK is a modification of the LASEK and PRK methods, differing in the way the epithelium is removed. Instead of an alcohol solution or epithelial detachment, an Epi-Clear knife is used, which gently and in a fully controlled manner prepares the cornea for the procedure, leaving its deeper layers untouched. The result is faster and gentler epithelial regeneration.
How much do surface procedures and qualification examinations cost?
Procedure prices are set according to the official SwissLaser price list and depend on the method chosen during qualification – for example, the Trans-PRK smart surFace surface procedure costs PLN 10,000 for both eyes. The qualification examination, where the doctor selects the appropriate technique, costs PLN 400. The National Health Fund (NFZ) does not reimburse laser vision correction, but installment payments are available through Santander Consumer Bank.
How does EBK differ from Trans-PRK?
In both methods, the laser reshapes the cornea under the epithelium, without a flap. The difference concerns the epithelium: in EBK, it is mechanically removed by an Epi-Clear knife; in Trans-PRK, the laser itself removes it, touch-free. Trans-PRK is our standard; we choose EBK when eye anatomy makes laser treatment difficult or when the patient has recurrent epithelial erosions.
Does the EBK procedure hurt?
The procedure itself is painless thanks to anesthetic drops. For the first few days, until the epithelium rebuilds, there is tearing, photophobia, and a gritty sensation – these are alleviated by a therapeutic contact lens and drops.
How long does healing take after EBK?
The epithelium after EBK regenerates faster and more gently than after classic PRK or LASEK. Comfortable vision returns within a few days, and full visual acuity stabilization takes several weeks.
Is EBK better than LASEK?
EBK does not use alcohol to soften the epithelium and leaves deeper layers untouched – therefore, healing is gentler. However, it is not a method for everyone: the range of defects is smaller, and indications concern specific eye anatomy.
When EBK instead of FemtoLASIK?
When the cornea is thin but healthy, when there is a risk of eye injury (services, contact sports), or when the patient has recurrent epithelial erosions. Surface methods do not create a flap and preserve tissue.
How much does EBK cost?
The price is determined according to the surface procedure price list after a qualification examination (PLN 400). The reference point is Trans-PRK smart surFace: PLN 10,000 for both eyes. Installment payment is possible through Santander Consumer Bank.
Content fact-checked by Dr. med. univ. (Vienna) Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – a specialist in refractive surgery. Last verified: October 2, 2026.
For the curious: EBK (epi-Bowman keratectomy) is a surface method in which the epithelium is removed with a special, blunt polymer tool (Epi-Clear) while preserving Bowman’s membrane, and then an excimer laser reshapes the stroma. Compared to PRK, it causes less damage to Bowman’s membrane, which shortens healing and reduces pain. ICD-10 indications: H52.0–H52.2.
Sources
- Shortt AJ, Allan BDS, Evans JR. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;1:CD005135. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005135.pub3
- Adib-Moghaddam S, Soleyman-Jahi S, Sanjari Moghaddam A et al. Efficacy and safety of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy. J Cataract Refract Surg 2018;44(10):1267–1279. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2018.07.021
- Kim TI, Alió Del Barrio JL, Wilkins M, Cochener B, Ang M. Refractive surgery. Lancet 2019;393(10185):2085–2098. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)33209-4
- Chuck RS, Jacobs DS, Lee JK et al. Refractive Errors & Refractive Surgery Preferred Practice Pattern. Ophthalmology 2018;125(1):P1–P104. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.10.003
