While LASIK is no longer your and your patients' only option for surgical vision correction, it's still the most
popular. And, as you know, there's a lot riding on your microkeratome when it comes to the safety and
success of your procedures. So, for your convenience as you look to purchase your first microkeratome,
upgrade what you're currently using, or track the technological progress of these instruments, we've
compiled this handy list of microkeratomes and the features that you've told us are important to you. We've
included safety features, information on cost, warranty and what's included in your purchase price.
Nidek, Inc.
Contact:
David Yeh, Director of Sales
(800) 223-9044
Cameron Mitchell, Product Specialist
(888) 635-3937
info@nidek.com
Microkeratome:
Nidek MK-2000
Keratome System
Disposable or Nondisposable:
Nondisposable
Blade Oscillation:
9,000 rotations/min.
Translation Speed:
2 mm/sec.
Drive Mechanism:
Automated with no
exposed gears
Suction Ring Sizes:
8.5 and 9.5 mm
Hinge Position:
Typically nasal, other
positions possible
Hinge Length:
5 mm
Flap Diameter:
9 or 10 mm
Flap Thickness:
130, 160 or 180
microns
Visualization of the Applanated
Cornea?
Yes
Number of Assembly Steps:
Three
Safety Features:
Audible suction indi-
cator; safety wedge tip to lock blade
holder during cut; no exposed gears
or track mechanism that could catch
lids or lashes; no assembly on the
eye; doctor has total visualization of
flap creation and control of keratome
advancement and return
Cost:
$64,000 list price
What's Included:
1-year warranty;
console, footswitch, two blade hold-
ers, two suction rings, tonometer, 20
blades, wrench, Chayet Flap Marker,
safety wedge tips
Other Features/Comments:
The Nidek
MK-2000 has two independent
motors: one for blade oscillation and
one for advancement; no oscillation
on the return; hand-tighten assembly
for rapid and simple technician turn-
around. One-hand operation with low-
profile design allows for ease of use.
Dual-port suction allows for rapid suc-
tion time and helps to reduce patient
discomfort.
Paradigm Medical Industries
Contact:
Scott Allen
(858) 554-1770 ext. 182
Microkeratome:
Innovatome
Disposable or Nondisposable:
Disposable blade assembly
Blade Oscillation:
12,000
rotations/min.
Translation Speed:
Selectable 2, 3 or
4 mm/sec.
Drive Mechanism:
No gears
automated
Suction Ring Sizes:
One size fits all
Hinge Position:
Nasal
Hinge Length:
Programmable
Flap Diameter:
Myopia 7.5 to 8.5 mm;
hyperopia 8 to 9 mm
Flap Thickness:
130, 150,
180
microns
Visualization of the Applanated
Cornea?
Yes, through etched sapphire
applanator
Number of Assembly Steps:
Three:
drive cable assembly, suction ring,
sapphire applanator assembly
Safety Features:
Programmable hinge
location; no gears, no jamming.
Improved suction technology prevents
lose of pressure.
Cost:
Contact company
What's Included:
Contact company
Other Features/Comments:
The
Paradigm Innovatome Microkeratome
provides the refractive surgeon with
a reliable means to cut a corneal flap
and accurately predict the hinge
location. The nasal hinge location
reduces the occurrence of dry eye.
The unique features include unre-
stricted visibility of the surgical field
during the procedure, and protection
of the stromal bed with a clear sap-
phire applanator. The sterile dispos-
able blade is only 100 microns thick
and 1 mm wide, providing minimum
contact with the stromal bed. The
lightweight, single-cable design
reduces torquing, eliminates gear
jams and associated complications.
Refractive Technologies, Inc.
Contact:
David Fox
(216) 514-1914
flapmaker@prodigy.net
www.flapmaker.com
Microkeratome:
STERITOME System
Disposable or Nondisposable:
Disposable
Blade Oscillation:
12,500
rotations/min.
Translation Speed:
6.8 mm/sec.
Drive Mechanism:
Cable driven
Suction Ring Sizes:
8.0, 8.5, 9.5,
10.5 mm
Hinge Position:
Nasal
Hinge Length:
3 mm
Flap Diameter:
8.0, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 mm
Flap Thickness (microns):
130, 160,
180, 200, 220
Visualization of the Applanated
Cornea?
Complete visualization of
procedure
Number of Assembly Steps:
One
Safety Features:
Transparent suction
plate; cutting in forward motion only;
visualization of suction; elimination of
DLK and SOS; eliminates assembly
error -- comes completely assembled
and sterile
Cost:
STERITOME console: $25,000.
STERITOME preassembled handpieces
(including microkeratome head, blade
and suction plate): $75 each.
What's Included:
1-year warranty on
parts and labor
Other Features/Comments:
With the
addition of our new STERITOME sterile
handpiece, customized flap-making is
now possible. Each STERITOME
arrives completely preassembled with
a sterile blade, which eliminates the
potential for DLK and Sands of
Sahara. Technologically superior to
other microkeratomes, the new STER-
ITOME System is designed to be con-
sistent in manufacture and
performance.
SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions
Mainparkstr. 6-10
63801 Kleinostheim
Germany
Contact:
Phone: +49 (0) 60 27 508 0
Fax: +49 (0) 60 27 508 208
info@eye-tech.net
www.eye-tech-solutions.com
Microkeratome:
Carriazo-Pendular
Disposable or Nondisposable:
Nondisposable
Blade Oscillation:
Up to 15,000 rota-
tions/min.
Translation Speed:
Up to 6 mm/sec.
Driver Mechanism:
Automated or
manual, no external gears
Suction Ring Sizes:
19 mm
Hinge Position:
360° - free choice
Hinge Length:
4 mm to 6 mm
Flap Diameter:
9.0 and 10.5 mm
Flap Thickness:
160 microns
Visualization of the Applanated
Cornea?
No
Number of Assembly Steps:
Three
Safety Features:
Several safety fea-
tures are incorporated into the micro-
keratome design and electronic
console
Cost:
Provided on request
What's Included:
1-year warranty.
Contact company for more informa-
tion.
Other Features/ Comments:
The
Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome
marks the introduction of the unique
innovative "pendular" movement,
invented by Cesar Carriazo, M.D.
Baranquilla, Colombia. The patented
ball-shaped cutting head is moulding
the cornea and protects the corneal
center during the cut. There are dual
motors for variable blade speed and
advancement; vacuum calibration;
self-explaining assembly without
external gears; requires minimized
space in narrow lid margins.
