We performed routine microkeratome and freehand lamellar keratectomies in 65 canine eyes and 24 human eye-bank eyes. The microkeratome technique produced more predictable resections compared with the freehand technique and at the same time produced a wound that would allow for better wound coaptation. Neither technique damaged the corneal endothelium. We conclude that one of the reasons for the success of the refractive keratoplasty procedures is the refined microkeratome technique.