Microkeratome
Microkeratome
Microkeratome (pronunciation: /ˌmaɪkrəʊˈkɛrətəʊm/) is a precision surgical instrument used in ophthalmology to cut thin flaps in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
Etymology
The term "microkeratome" is derived from the Greek words "micros" meaning small, "keras" meaning horn, and "tome" meaning cutting. It refers to the instrument's ability to make small, precise cuts in the corneal tissue.
Usage
Microkeratomes are primarily used in refractive surgery, specifically in procedures such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). The microkeratome creates a thin flap in the cornea, which is then lifted to allow the underlying corneal tissue to be reshaped by a laser. This reshaping corrects refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
Related Terms
- Ophthalmology: The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
- Cornea: The clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.
- Refractive Surgery: A type of eye surgery used to improve the refractive state of the eye and decrease or eliminate dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
- LASIK: A type of refractive eye surgery.
- PRK: Another type of refractive eye surgery.
- Myopia: A condition of the eye where the light that comes in does not directly focus on the retina but in front of it, causing the image that one sees when looking at a distant object to be out of focus.
- Hyperopia: A condition of the eye where the light that comes in does not directly focus on the retina but behind it.
- Astigmatism: A type of refractive error in which the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Microkeratome
- Wikipedia's article - Microkeratome
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