Abstract: A keratome (10) and a method for using the keratome (10) for cutting a cornea of an eye (14) are provided which allow an operator to view the cutting operation as it occurs. The keratome (10) includes an annular housing (12) sized to contact the eye (14) and allow a portion (21) of the cornea to protrude therein. A motor housing (22) is mounted to the annular housing (12) for movement with respect thereto in a feed direction. A blade (36) is mounted by the motor housing (22) for movement in a cutting direction transverse to the feed direction, and a motor (26) mounted by the motor housing (22) is drivingly connected to the blade (36) to provide reciprocal movement thereof in the cutting direction. Movement of the motor housing (22) in the feed direction across the eye (14) accompanied by movement of the blade (36) in the cutting direction cuts the portion (21) of the cornea protruding into the annular housing (12), while an operator can view the cutting through the annular housing (12).