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 process of corneal shape correction 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 defect correction compared to deep methods. Epithelial regeneration occurs 3-4 days after the procedure. To accelerate healing and reduce 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®).
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 selected during qualification – an indicative reference point is Trans-PRK smart surFace: PLN 10,000 for both eyes. We provide an exact quote after the qualification examination (PLN 400).
- 2 check-ups during the first month included in the package
- instalment payment available (Santander Consumer Bank)
- qualification examination: PLN 400
The EBK procedure – step by step
- Qualification examination: assessment of the thickness and regularity of the cornea.
- Day of the procedure: the epithelium is gently removed with the Epi-Clear instrument – without alcohol or chemical substances.
- Correction: the excimer laser reshapes the cornea; the deeper layers remain untouched.
- Protection: a bandage lens for 3–4 days of healing.
Recovery day by day
- Days 1–3: healing of the epithelium – discomfort is relieved with drops; after EBK the epithelium regenerates around twice as fast as after classic PRK.
- Days 3–4: removal of the bandage lens.
- First weeks: gradual improvement in visual acuity, check-ups as scheduled.
Safety and possible side effects – honestly
Surface methods do not create a corneal flap – they therefore eliminate the associated risks and are safe for physically active people as well. To be honest, however: the first 2–3 days after the procedure can be painful (healing of the epithelium), and some patients temporarily experience hazy vision (haze) or dry eye. Full visual acuity stabilises within 3–4 months. We discuss your individual risk at the qualification examination.
Expert commentary
“EBK is my recommendation for police officers, soldiers and contact-sport athletes: no flap means that even an eye injury will not jeopardise the correction result. The gentle, mechanical removal of the epithelium with the Epi-Clear instrument speeds up healing.”
Dr 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 is gently removed from the surface of the cornea, after which an excimer laser reshapes the cornea and corrects the refractive error. The deeper layers of the cornea remain untouched.
Who is the EBK method particularly recommended for?
The EBK method is recommended above all for people at risk of eye injury – police officers, soldiers, firefighters and those who play contact sports. Because it is a surface method, no corneal flap is created that could be damaged in the event of an injury.
Who is suitable for the EBK procedure?
The procedure is intended primarily for people with a thin but otherwise normal cornea, and the range of correctable errors is from -8 to +3 dioptres, plus astigmatism up to 5 dioptres. EBK can also be used for deep-set eyes, narrow eyelid openings, unusually flat or steep corneas, recurrent erosions, epithelial basement membrane degeneration, and in patients with a clear contraindication to LASIK-type methods. Suitability is decided by the doctor after a preliminary examination.
How long does epithelial regeneration take after the EBK procedure?
The epithelium regenerates within 3-4 days of the procedure. To speed this up and reduce the pain associated with healing, a bandage contact lens is fitted after the procedure. It is worth adding that after EBK the epithelium renews up to twice as fast as after other surface methods, and the regeneration process is gentler.
How does EBK differ from the LASEK and PRK methods?
EBK is a modification of the LASEK and PRK methods, differing in how the epithelium is removed. Instead of an alcohol solution or folding the epithelium aside, an Epi-Clear device is used, which prepares the cornea for the procedure gently and in a fully controlled way, leaving its deeper layers untouched. The result is faster and gentler epithelial regeneration.
How much do a surface procedure and the suitability assessment cost?
Procedure prices follow the official SwissLaser price list and depend on the method selected during the assessment – for example, the Trans-PRK smart surFace surface procedure costs PLN 10,000 for both eyes. The suitability assessment, at which the doctor selects the appropriate technique, costs PLN 400. NFZ (Poland’s national health fund) does not reimburse laser vision correction, but payment in instalments through Santander Consumer Bank is available.
