Abstract: A keratome is machined from a single block of material to form front and back portions that cannot become distorted during use. The blade is held at a reduced angle and a surface defining a chamber for receiving the slice intersects the blade at a tangent. The adjustable plate overlaps the blade a predetermined amount. The lower edge of the plate, adjacent the blade, is shaped for an improved cut, as is the blade itself. The suction ring is laser welded to avoid distortion of the channel for the keratome and an applanator is shaped to prevent relative motion of the applanator along the channel.

Abstract: A keratome includes a miniature differential micrometer having a barrel, a middle sleeve, and a inner sleeve connected by a threaded shaft having threads of two different pitches. One end of each of the middle sleeve and inner sleeve is drilled and tapped undersize and is slotted to conform resiliently to the threaded shaft. The middle sleeve is attached to a keratome by set screws drawing the middle sleeve into tight contact with the body of the keratome. The adjustable plate in the keratome is attached to the inner sleeve.