Use of diamond knives in ocular surgery

Scanning electron microscopy is used to evaluate and compare the morphology of corneal incisions made with ophthalmic razor knives and with a diamond knife designed for eye surgery. Razor blade incisions cause more disruption and trauma to the epithelial surface, and the underlying stroma shows some signs of stress. The diamond knife cuts more smoothly leaving the epithelial surface relatively intact and the underlying stroma cleanly separated.