Abstract: The present invention is an ophthalmic instrument for use in performing radial keratotomy on the cornea of a patient for correcting myopia and/or astigmatism of the patient. The ophthalmic instrument includes a surgical blade having a suitable width for making an incision into the cornea of the patient and an elongated handle which is formed out of a plastic material and to which the surgical blade is fixedly coupled. The ophthalmic instrument also includes a depth-guide which is a hollow, cylindrical member and which is formed out of a plastic material.