MODEL RELEASED. Eye surgery. Image 2 of 3. The cornea (front part of the eye) is being cut by a microkeratome (black/silver, centre) before laser eye surgery. The front part of the cornea is partially cut away, allowing it to be folded out of the way. Once out of the way, a laser is used to alter the shape of the inner layers of the cornea, which alters its focusing power. This process can be used to treat myopia (short- sightedness) and other focusing defects. After the operation, the front flap of cornea is replaced and the eye heals rapidly. For a sequence showing the removal of the outer part of the cornea, see images M570/143-145.