Phake intraocular lens (PIOL) | Therapy of myopia

Phake intraocular lens (PIOL)

The PIOL is an artificial eye lens which is inserted into the eye in addition to the own eye lens. Intraocular lenses are usually used in the treatment of cataracts, but they can also be used to correct defective vision. This method can be chosen as an alternative to laser therapy if this is not possible or if there is a higher degree of ametropia.

A minimum nearsightedness of -5 diopters is required. With some lenses, short-sightedness of up to -20 diopters can be corrected. The lenses have focal points tailored to the patient, usually one for near and one for far vision.

This enables the patient to live a life after the operation without glasses as far as possible. Lenses: PIOL distinguishes between different types of lenses. On the one hand there are anterior chamber and posterior chamber lenses.

The anterior chamber lenses are inserted between the cornea and the iris, the posterior chamber lenses between the iris and the eye lens. There are also hard and soft lenses. The materials used are mostly acrylic and silicone.

Contraindications: A PIOL should not be used in persons under 18 years or pregnant women. In addition, the patient’s visual acuity, which was measured several times in advance, should not differ significantly. Furthermore, if the patient’s anterior chamber of the eye is not deep enough, there would not be enough room for the insertion of an anterior chamber lens.

In such a case, the procedure cannot be performed. Procedure: The PIOL is usually inserted into the eye on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia. An incision of 3-6mm length (depending on the lens) is required.

A suture is not necessary. Risks: After insertion of the PIOL there is an increased risk of inflammation of the eye. The lens can also slip out of its position due to manipulation of the eye (strong rubbing, strong vibration), so that a new intervention is necessary.

In addition, damage to the cornea may remain due to the incision, resulting in reduced visual acuity. The body’s own lens can become cloudy. Under certain circumstances, the intraocular pressure can increase enormously. In any case, the patient must undergo regular lifelong check-ups with the ophthalmologist after the operation.