Meet the Microkeratome: the Unsung Hero of LASIK

    CHICAGO, IL, August 04, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Most of the attention in LASIK and credit for the procedure goes to the laser used to reshape the cornea, but there is another player in this performance whose role is just as important, but not as widely recognized: the microkeratome. Most of us don't even know what a microkeratome is, let alone the crucial role it plays in LASIK surgery.

What Is a Microkeratome?

A microkeratome is an advanced version of the keratome. A keratome is a special surgical knife designed for cutting the cornea. They come in several shapes for helping with certain surgical procedures, but in general are like scalpels for the eye. They are held in the surgeon's hand and operated manually. A microkeratome, on the other hand, is a special device, that is not only tiny, but is also mechanically operated. The microkeratome has an oscillating blade that helps to ensure quick and clean cutting of the cornea and automated gears that drive the blade across the surface of the eye.

The Microkeratome's Role in LASIK

The first step in LASIK involves creating a flap in the eye to expose the central layers of the cornea. The success of LASIK depends on reshaping these central layers of the cornea to change the refraction of the visual system. The microkeratome creates the flap.

The procedure is straightforward. First, a suction ring is placed over the eye. The suction ring secures to the eye and elevates the central cornea to facilitate cutting. The microkeratome is then secured to the suction ring, which creates a precise orientation of the blade to the eye. The microkeratome is then pulled forward on gears as the oscillating blade works to cut the corneal flap. The microkeratome then returns back along its track and is removed.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Microkeratome

One of the main advantages of the microkeratome is its speed. It takes only seconds to create the corneal flap, much less than femtosecond lasers that have recently been developed as an alternative to the microkeratome. Second, the microkeratome's mechanical process creates highly predictable results.

There are some disadvantages to the microkeratome, however. First, many people are uncomfortable with the thought of an oscillating blade being used to cut their eye. In addition, there is a risk of a mechanical failure with the microkeratome that could affect results. Sometimes the gears of the microkeratome can become jammed, causing only a partial or a poorly shaped flap to be created. There is also some question about whether the shape of the flap created by the microkeratome is ideal for LASIK, since it is thin at the edges and thicker in the center, which may affect manipulation of the flap. Finally, the mechanical action of the microkeratome can potentially drive epithelial cells under the flap. Once this occurs, these cells can grow, interfering with the results of LASIK.

To learn more about LASIK with a microkeratome, or to schedule an appointment with a LASIK surgeon in Chicago, please visit the website of Doctors For Visual Freedom at www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com.

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