Microkeratome
What is it for?
The microkeratome is a high-precision, computer-controlled instrument that the surgeon uses to help create the corneal flap in LASIK.
What actually happens?
You lie down on the laser bed facing up. After anaesthetising your eyes with eye drops, the surgeon holds your eye open using a lid holder.
The microkeratome holds your eye steady by creating suction between it and your cornea and is then used to make a circular corneal flap with a hinge.
The surgeon folds the flap back to expose the inner surface of the cornea, which is then ready for reshaping. In many clinics, the flap creation is done using a femtosecond laser.
What is it for?
The microkeratome is a high-precision, computer-controlled instrument that the surgeon uses to help create the corneal flap in LASIK.
What actually happens?
You lie down on the laser bed facing up. After anaesthetising your eyes with eye drops, the surgeon holds your eye open using a lid holder. The microkeratome holds your eye steady by creating suction between it and your cornea and is then used to make a circular corneal flap with a hinge.
The surgeon folds the flap back to expose the inner surface of the cornea, which is then ready for reshaping. In many clinics, the flap creation is done using a femtosecond laser.
How does it feel?
During this part of the procedure, you may feel a small amount of pressure. This may feel a little strange, but it is not painful. As this happens, your vision will dim or go dark for a few seconds.
How does it benefit you?
The main benefit of a flap in LASIK is that the healing and recovery time is much shorter than with surface procedures (PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK).
The flap heals within hours, and the vast majority of patients can return to work the day after surgery.
