Microkeratome of Barraquer

The Barraquer microkeratome is a device for creating a thin corneal flap during cataract surgery using phacoemulsification. Initially, the Esculopon microkeratome had a large vertical diameter and its use did not allow for high precision of corneal dissection. In particular, a gap of 0.2 mm during the formation of the corneal “ladder” was large enough for air bubbles to pass into the lens and hit the monitor matrix. To improve the accuracy and safety of the surgery, the French ophthalmologist R. Barracar proposed the use of a microkeratome scalpel with a small vertical diameter, which made it possible to create a thin slit only 35 microns wide. Thanks to the new design of the device, they decided to call it the Barracker microkeratome. The operating principle of the device is based on cutting the cornea by applying a blade to it. Kerratom has a number of advantages over its analogues. He is deprived of the opportunity to make a mistake. At the same time, it is possible to adjust the angle of the surgical blade, thereby reducing the possibility of nystagmus formation.