A depth detection apparatus, in particular in intracorneal dissection, provides a perforating tubular element (11) suitable for being inserted into the cornea, a reciprocally moving air volume generator (14) connected to the perforating tubular element (11), a pressure sensor (21) for detecting the pressure along the connection between the volumetric generator (14) and the perforating element (11) in the reciprocal movement of the volumetric generator (14), a microcontroller (23) connected to the pressure sensor (21) to detect pressure variations with the depth advancement into the cornea of the perforating element (11), a signaller (22) connected to the microcontroller (23) to signal that a preset pressure variation has been reached. The apparatus (10) enables a correct position to be determined for performing intracorneal dissection.
