Abstract: The microkeratome comprises a holder (1) with a suction ring (11) for attachment to the sclera of a patient's eye and having means (23) for connection to a suction source. A slide (2) is displaceably mounted on the holder (1) in a linear guide thereof. The slide (2) has a plane contact surface for contacting the cornea of the patient's eye and slideable over the cornea in a direction parallel to the contact surface. The slide contains a cutting blade with a cutting edge which is parallel to the contact surface. A first motor moves the slide on the holder. The blade is mounted in the slide for oscillating movement in a direction parallel to the cutting edge. A second motor oscillates the blade. The two motors are mounted on a common motor unit which is detachably mounted to the slide. The holder has a grip portion surrounding the motor unit on two lateral sides and a rear side.