Abstract: A microkeratome is provided for use in lamellar surgery on the cornea of the eye. The microkeratome includes a base carrying a camshaft for rotation by a cable connected to the shaft. The base also supports a moving blade assembly slidably mounted on an applanator assembly, with the blade being thin and under tension. The moving blade assembly moves above and sidewardly relative to a suction ring. The moving blade assembly is sized to oscillate side-to-side approximately 1 mm. The moving blade assembly is driven by a connecting cable, wherein longitudinal movement of the cable produces responsive longitudinal movement of the frame and blade to cut a flap or disc of a desired configuration.