What is a Microkeratome?

A microkeratome is a surgical instrument that has been specifically designed to create the corneal flap in LASIK surgery. This hand-held instrument has an oscillating metal blade that creates a hinged flap, allowing an excimer laser to access and reshape inner corneal tissue. 

LASIK performed with a microkeratome may be faster than all laser options and comes with very few risks and complications. However, a certain corneal thickness is required for flap creation with a microkeratome, which may interfere with some peoples’ LASIK candidacy.

Alternatives to Microkeratome Flap Creation

If you have been told you are not a good candidate for LASIK due to the thickness of your cornea, what your doctor may have meant was that you are not a good candidate for traditional LASIK with a microkeratome flap. Alternatives such as Epi-LASIK or IntraLase® are capable of creating flaps even in thin corneas, allowing people who have not traditionally been good candidates to undergo vision correction surgery. The technique that is right for you is best determined by your ophthalmologist and should be tailored to meet your specific vision needs.

If you are interested in learning more about LASIK surgery and the method of flap creation best suited to meet your needs, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area to schedule an appointment today.