Lasik Flaps

A microkeratome is a precision surgical instrument with an oscillating blade designed for creating the corneal flap in LASIK surgery.

 The normal human cornea varies from around 500 to 600 micrometers in thickness; and in the lasik procedure, the microkeratome creates a 100 to 200 micrometer thick flap.

The microkeratome uses suction to fixate and stabilize the eye. It elevates intraocular pressure, enabling a hinged lamellar corneal flap to be created.

Microkeratomes may differ in orientation (down-up and horizontal) and propulsion (manual linear rail or planetary gear with pivoting head). Blades can be turbine or electrically driven.

Refractive surgery demands different microkeratomes to customize optical zones for hyperopic ablation and individuals with large pupils.