Abstract: An apparatus for performing lamellar refractive corneal surgery includes a base ring adapted for seating on the sclera of the eye to be operated upon. A planar plate is fixedly attached to this base ring so that the mutually adjacent surfaces of the plate and the base ring conjointly define an air gap. As oscillating knife is guided in this air gap during the cutting process and is moved in a guide connected to the base ring. The surface of the planar plate facing the eye contains an applanate surface which is preferably defined by the end face of an insert inserted into the planar plate. A ring-shaped recess open toward the eye concentrically surrounds the insert and communicates with a conduit to which a partial vacuum can be applied.