An apparatus for creating incisions in a human cornea comprises: a source of pulsed laser radiation； a scanner device for scanning the laser radiation； and a control computer for controlling the scanner device based on a control program, the control program containing instructions that, when executed by the computer, bring about the creation in the cornea of: a flap cut (42, 44) defining a corneal flap (40) that is connected to surrounding corneal tissue through a hinge； and one or more auxiliary cuts in connection with the flap cut for removing gas generated during creation of the flap cut, wherein the one or more auxiliary cuts define a first channel (52) extending from the flap cut to an anterior surface (46) of the cornea and a reservoir (54) located at least partially deeper within the cornea than the flap cut.
