Patient Information

Phakic Intraocular
Lens Implantation

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Contents
What is phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation? 3

What are the benefits? 3

Who is suitable for PIOL implantation? 4

What are the alternatives? 4

Vision correction surgery alternatives 4

Alternative PIOLs 4

Continuing in glasses or contact lenses 4

How is PIOL implantation performed? 5

Loss of vision 5

Additional surgery 6

Risks of contact lens wear 6

What are the side effects? 6

Vision 6

Eye comfort 6

Eye appearance 6

Will PIOL implantation affect my future eye health care? 7

How can I reduce the risk of problems? 7

How much does PIOL implantation cost? 8

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What is phakic intraocular lens
(PIOL) implantation?
Lenses that are implanted into the eye to correct vision without taking out the natural lens
are call phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs). PIOLs are made of clear synthetic plastic. They sit
either just in front of, or just behind, the pupil – a bit like building your contact lenses into
your eyes.
PIOL implantation is effective in treating high The other main type of PIOL is the Artisan/Verysise
spectacle prescriptions, and is widely used to treat PIOL. This PIOL clips onto the iris just in front of the
younger patients who are not suitable for laser eye pupil, and is sometimes visible as a glint in the eye.
surgery. Like ICLs, you cannot feel Artisan/Verysise PIOLs after
implantation, and you do not need to clean them.
The commonest type of PIOL implanted in the UK
and worldwide is the Visian ICL (intraocular collamer If you are suitable for PIOL implantation, your
lens). This is a soft flexible implant designed to sit just surgeon will discuss which type is the best option for
behind the pupil and in front of the natural lens in the you.
eye. You cannot see or feel ICLs after implantation,
and you do not need to clean them.

What are the benefits?

PIOLs are highly effective at treating both high glasses prescriptions and astigmatism.
For most patients, vision after PIOL surgery is similar to vision in contact lenses before
surgery without the discomfort and limitations on activity.
Glasses may still be required for some activities after Short sight and astigmatism normally stabilize in
treatment, particularly reading in older patients, the late teens or early 20s, but natural prescription
but these will be a low prescription and relatively changes can occur at any stage in life. So laser vision
inexpensive. correction is sometimes needed to enhance distance
vision in the years after PIOL implantation.
Over 95% of patients are satisfied with the
outcome of surgery, and many describe it as
life changing

Although PIOL implantation is often bracketed with

cosmetic surgery procedures, the benefits are mainly
functional. It is designed to make you less dependent
on glasses and contact lenses, helping you to lead an
active lifestyle more easily.

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Who is suitable for PIOL implantation?
Young patients who are unsuitable for laser vision correction are often offered PIOL implantation.
This is because PIOLs can correct a wider range of spectacle prescriptions than laser vision
correction, and may be a safer option if you have pre-existing cornea or eye surface problems.
You need to be over 18 years of age and have a stable You may not be suitable for PIOL implantation if you
spectacle prescription. This is normally defined as no have other problems with your eye health including
change greater than 0.5 units (0.5D) in the last 2 years. cataracts, glaucoma, or recurrent inflammation in
the eye (uveitis). You also need to have enough room
The range of spectacle prescriptions that can be
in the front of the eye to fit the PIOL safely. This is
treated effectively is approximately:
normally determined by a scan of the eye at your
• Up to -17.00D of myopia or short sight initial consultation.

• Up to +10.00D of hyperopia or long sight

• Up to ±4.50D of astigmatism

Supplementary laser vision correction can be used

to extend this range for suitable patients with very
high prescriptions in a combination treatment that is
commonly called BIOPTICS.

What are the alternatives?

Vision correction surgery alternatives Verysise), the ICL is easy to implant through a small
PIOL implantation is one of three main categories of entry into the eye and has a very good long-term
operations to correct vision. The other two are laser safety record. Sizing can be an issue for the ICL, and
vision correction and refractive lens exchange (RLE). some ICLs need to be replaced soon after the initial
operation. Iris clip lenses (Artisan/Verysise) have the
• Laser vision correction does not require a lens
advantage that one size fits all, but annual eye health
implant, and works by altering the curvature and
monitoring is required after implantation.
focusing power of the front surface of the eye.
Continuing in glasses or contact lenses
• RLE is identical to modern cataract surgery, and works PIOL implantation is elective. This means you can
by replacing the natural lens with a lens implant. choose to proceed with it at any time, or not at all. The
Laser vision correction is generally preferred if you alternative is staying in glasses or contact lenses
have a lower glasses prescription. This is because there Glasses are risk free but can be expensive and very
are very few longer-term risks associated with laser limiting in terms of the range of activities, particularly
vision correction; whereas problems including cataract sport, that you can participate in if you have a higher
can occur many years after PIOL implantation. prescription.
Older patients with a high spectacle prescription are more Contact lenses provide good all-round vision. They do not
at risk of getting a cataract after PIOL implantation, and mist over during sport and will help you to be more active;
they have already lost most of the flexibility of focus but they can be inconvenient when travelling, make
provided by the natural lens in the eye. So after about 50 water sports more difficult, and should not be worn whilst
years of age, RLE is the usually the best option if you are showering, swimming or during sleep. Contact lens wear
unsuitable for laser vision correction. is sometimes associated with eye surface discomfort, and
may be complicated by sight threatening infection.
Your surgeon will advise on your best
treatment options after reviewing your test The risks and benefits of PIOL implantation
measurements and your eye health should be balanced against those for
continued contact lens wear, since this
Alternative PIOLs is the main alternative for active people
Different types of PIOL have a different safety profile. considering vision correction surgery
Of the two main types now available (ICL and Artisan/

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How is PIOL implantation performed?
PIOL implantation is performed using eye-drop anaesthetic supplemented by an injection
in the back of your hand to relax you if required. Anaesthetic may also be washed around
the back of the eye to prevent excessive eye movement. A spring clip holding the eyelids
apart allows you to blink safely during surgery.
Your surgeon will be looking through a microscope to • Wash out and refilling – washout of the supporting
perform the surgery. You will be lying down under a gel and refilling with fluid and antibiotics. Sutured
surgical tent with fresh air coming in underneath. A closure of the eye is often required for Artisan/
sticky plastic drape covers the skin around the eye and Verysise PIOLs
sticks the eyelashes out of the way.
Some centres offer surgery for both eyes on the same
Strong pupil dilating drugs are given as drops or a using day. More commonly, second eye surgery is delayed for
a pellet placed under the lower eyelid to prepare the a day or longer to ensure that the recovery in the first
eye for surgery. eye is progressing well and, for ICLs, that sizing in the
first eye is correct.
Essential steps in surgery are:

• Entry points – formation of small self-sealing entry The surgery typically takes about 20 minutes
points in the front of the eye at the junction of the per eye. You can return home on the same day
white of the eye and the cornea as surgery
• PIOL insertion – injection of the PIOL and unfolding
into position using a supporting gel to fill the front
of the eye. Sometimes a small bypass drainage hole
is formed in the iris at this point, but this additional
stage is no longer required for newer (v4c and later)
ICLs in myopic patients

What are the risks?

In all forms of eye surgery, problems can occur during incomplete removal of supporting gel – a problem that
the operation or afterwards in the healing period. can be fixed relatively easily with further washout. All
Problems can result in permanent, serious loss of vision patients with high levels of short sight have a higher
(vision worse than the driving standard in the affected risk of retinal detachment. This risk is not increased
eye that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact by ICL implantation, which does not involve surgery
lenses). More commonly, problems can be corrected to the back compartment of the eye. Infection rates
with changes in medication or additional surgery. after ICL implantation are very low (approximately 1
Typically, these additional operations feel like the in 6000). Complete loss of vision can occur after any
original surgery and have a similar recovery period. operation involving the inside of the eye; but this is
rare after ICL implantation.
Different types of PIOL have different associated risks.
Your surgeon will ensure that you are given clear advice Although fluid pressure rises and infection can occur
relevant to the lens type that is recommended. after Artisan/Verysise PIOL implantation, the risk of
problems leading to visual loss generally relates to
Loss of vision later complications, particularly corneal clouding.
Permanent, serious loss of vision is very uncommon These problems can often be spotted at an early
after ICL implantation. Causes include damage to the stage and may be partially or completely intercepted
nerve at the back of the eye caused by a sudden rise in by PIOL removal.
fluid pressure within the eye after surgery, and damage
to the retina caused by infection or retinal detachment. Annual review with your eye surgeon for life is
Sudden pressure rises are much less common with the normally recommended after Artisan/Verysise
newer v4c ICL used for treating myopic patients. The PIOL implantation, whereas a standard optometric
v4c ICL allows natural fluid flow through the pupil and eye health check once a year is sufficient after ICL
does not require a bypass drainage hole in the iris. If implantation for which the main long-term risk is
pressure rises do still occur, it is normally because of cataract formation.
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Additional surgery ICL removal is uncommon unless you require cataract
Cataracts may occur earlier in life than they surgery or an ICL of a different size.
would have done otherwise after all types of PIOL
implantation. Cataract surgery can normally be Artesan/Verysise PIOLs are sometimes removed to
combined with PIOL removal if necessary, and prevent further deterioration in the eye health if it
substitution of a new lens implant during cataract looks like the risk of corneal clouding is increasing or if
surgery helps to minimize any additional requirement there are persistent problems with eye inflammation.
for glasses. In other words, PIOL implantation does Risks of contact lens wear
not stop you having successful cataract surgery or RLE Continuing in contact lenses is often the main
later in life if this is required. alternative for people considering sight correction
Statistical techniques are used to size ICL implants. surgery. If you follow the right safety advice, contact
The size prediction is sometimes incorrect, and in lens wear is low risk; but approximately 1 in 3000
approximately 1 case in 40, the ICL needs to be wearers each year will develop a serious corneal
replaced with a lens of a different size in order to get infection.
the best fit in the eye. A minor rotation of the position To minimize this risk, you should not swim or shower
of an ICL implant is also sometimes required after in contact lenses, and should not wash them in tap
surgery to optimise the correction of astigmatism. For water. Sleeping in contact lenses, including those
Artisan/Verysise PIOLs, sizing is not a problem, since designed for overnight wear, increases the risk of
once size fits all. But repositioning procedures are infection significantly. Soft, daily disposable lenses are
sometimes required after the initial implantation. safer than non-disposable lenses.
PIOLs can be removed if they are causing problems.
This usually means that your vision and eye health
will be the same as it was before PIOL implantation.
But not all problems caused by PIOLs can be corrected
by removing them, and additional treatment may be
required even after PIOL removal.

What are the side effects?

Side effects are problems which most patients experience to some degree after surgery.
They normally improve with time, but do not always resolve completely.
Vision Treatment and prevention are based on making sure
It is normal to experience some light scatter side your eye surface is healthy before and after surgery.
effects in the early period after PIOL implantation, Lubricant eye drops can be helpful, and can be taken
particularly if you have treatment for a very high safely in addition to your other medication when
spectacle prescription. These can take a variety of required. For patients with a normal eye surface prior
forms including glare, halos, starbursts and ghost to surgery, lasting problems are unusual.
images. Increased flare from oncoming car headlights
is a common symptom, and night driving may be Eye appearance
difficult at first. Red blotches are often visible on the white of the
eye after any form of eye surgery. These are called
subconjunctival haemorrhages, and are caused by
Visual side effects are usually mild a small leak of blood under the mucous membrane
and improve within a few months covering the white part of eye wall. Although they can
be quite unsightly, red blotches are temporary, and
PIOLs can be removed if visual side effects persist, but do not affect eye health; but they can take up to six
this is rarely required. weeks to go away completely.

Eye comfort ICLs are not visible. But you may be aware of a glint
Some eye surface discomfort is common in the early in the eye caused by a reflection from the lens after
months after most forms of eye surgery. This is usually Artisan/Verysise PIOL implantation.
mild after PIOL implantation, and highly variable
– often affecting one eye more than the other.

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Will PIOL implantation affect my future eye
health care?
If you develop a new eye health problem in later life, PIOL implantation should not prevent
you having successful treatment.
Common eye health problems like glaucoma, diabetic through a normal cataract entry incision, whereas
retinopathy, and age related macular degeneration Artesan/Verysise PIOL removal may require a larger
can be monitored and treated as normal after PIOL entry. Some of the advantages of keyhole cataract
implantation. surgery (no sutures, rapid recovery and less need for
glasses) are reduced if a larger entry into the eye is
If cataract surgery is required after PIOL implantation, required.
the PIOL will have to be removed as part of the
cataract procedure. ICLs can be removed safely

How can I reduce the risk of problems?

Most patients have PIOL implantation under local anaesthetic. You can eat and drink
normally before surgery, and should take any regular medication as usual.
Most surgeons work with an anaesthetist to monitor month. Non-contact sports such as gym and jogging
your health and optimise your comfort during surgery, can be resumed from day one after surgery. Your
administering sedation where necessary. Keep your surgeon will advise you when it is safe to start driving
breathing calm, stay as relaxed as you can, and try to again. Typically this is within a few days of surgery.
keep your head still after the surgeon has positioned it
comfortably. Set a reminder and use the antibiotic and anti-
inflammatory drops as prescribed to help the eyes
You can help your surgeon apply the drape and stick to heal well. It is good to leave at least two minutes
your eyelashes out of the way by opening both your between different types of eye drop so that they each
eyes wide at the beginning of surgery. Blinking is absorb well before the next drop is applied.
no problem after the draping is complete. Just look If you miss the first time or you are not sure,
straight up ahead to the bright operating light with applying a second eye drop is no problem.
both eyes open, but blink when you need to. Looking
up to the bright microscope light helps to keep your Some variability of vision and comfort is normal in
eyes in the best position. the early weeks after PIOL implantation, and patience
is required. But discomfort is usually mild, and vision
normally recovers substantially within
Your surgeon will talk you through the two to three days once the pupil dilating drugs
procedure, encouraging you at every stage have worn off.

Report to your surgeon or an eye casualty department

Let your surgeon know if you feel any discomfort, and without delay if you have increasing aching pain, light
tell your surgeon if you need to cough, sneeze or take sensitivity, redness, blur after surgery.
a break.

A clear plastic shield is normally taped over your You may not be aware of a problem that
eye at the end of surgery for protection on the way requires treatment in the healing phase.
home. Nursing staff will provide aftercare information So make sure you attend your review
and show you how to wear the eye shield at night appointments even if your eyes feel good
(normally for 1 week after PIOL implantation).

You can wash and shower normally from day

one after surgery. Most surgeons recommend no
swimming for a week and no contact sports for a

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How much does PIOL implantation cost?
Surgery to correct the need for glasses or contact lenses is not available as an NHS
procedure and is not covered by private health insurance schemes.
Your clinic should be clear from the outset about Most clinics do not accept an open-ended liability
the total cost of the procedure. Follow up clinic visits and will charge for additional treatment relating to
and treatment for any problems resulting from natural prescription changes or a new problem with
surgery are usually included in this cost for up to 12 eye health.
months after surgery. Vision stabilizes quickly after
PIOL implantation, but problems resulting from PIOL
implantation, cataract in particular, may occur many
years later.

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Refractive Surgery Glossary of Terms
Accommodation the reflex by which the eye brings Femtosecond laser this type of laser is designed to
a near object into focus by changing the shape of the cut any 3D shape in clear eye tissues such as the
natural lens. The natural lens gets less flexible with natural lens or the cornea with a high degree of
age, and powers of accommodation diminish. This accuracy. They work by creating a 3D pattern of tiny
affects reading vision and the ability to compensate gas bubbles, which is traced through the target tissue
for hyperopia. at high speed. Femtosecond lasers are used in LASIK,
Artisan/Verysise PIOL this is a type of PIOL that is SMILE, and increasingly in RLE and Cataract surgery.
clipped on to the iris during implantation. PIOLs are Floaters floating shadows cast on the retina by
a commonly used alternative to laser vision correction opacities in the vitreous. Most of us are aware of
for younger patients. floaters in some lighting conditions.
Astigmatism irregular defocus, or an eye that is Glaucoma this is a condition in which the optic nerve
‘more rugby ball shaped than football shaped.’ The
is gradually damaged causing the visual field to
first number in your prescription for glasses describes
contract. Left untreated, patients with glaucoma may
the amount of long or short sight. The second number
develop ‘tunnel vision.’ Glaucoma is often associated
describes the amount of astigmatism. Most of us
with a higher than normal intraocular pressure, and
have at least some astigmatism, and a small amount
treatment is centred on drugs or surgery to lower the
can even help extend the range of activities you can
intraocular pressure.
do without reading glasses when you get older.

Biometry this test involves measurement of the eye Hyperopia long sight. People with hyperopia
and a set of calculations (biometry formulae) that typically have good vision as young adults. As they
help determine the right focusing power for an IOL get older, they find themselves reliant on glasses for
before cataract surgery or RLE. reading, and then for the distance vision too. Younger
people are able to compensate for hyperopia by
Binocular vision this is vision measured with the two accommodation. The amount of hyperopia is shown
eyes open. by a positive number in your spectacle prescription.
Cataract when the natural lens gets misty enough to ICL (intraocular collamer lens) this is the most
make vision hazy, it is called a cataract. commonly used type of PIOL. It is implanted behind
Cataract surgery this is surgery to replace the the iris and vaults over the natural lens – a bit like a
natural lens with an IOL. Cataract surgery is identical contact lens implanted in the eye. ICL implantation is
to RLE but is performed in patients who cannot see a commonly used alternative to laser vision correction
clearly despite using glasses or contact lenses with the in younger patients.
main aim of restoring clear vision.
IOL (intraocular lens) IOLs are small synthetic lens
Conjunctiva the membrane covering the white of the implants that are used to replace the natural lens in
eye. The conjunctiva produces mucus to help spread cataract surgery and RLE.
the watery tear film over the eye surface.
Intraocular pressure (IOP) this is the pressure of
Cornea the clear part of the eye wall at the front of fluid within the eye. It is often measured with a puff
the eye. Two thirds of the focusing power of the eye is of air in routine eye checks or (more accurately) with a
in the cornea. yellow drop and a blue light.
Corneal epithelium the corneal skin layer Iris this is the coloured part of the eye behind the
Corneal topography this is a scan that maps the cornea that expands and contracts in response to
surface curvature of the cornea. light to dilate or constrict the pupil.

D or Dioptre a unit for measuring the refractive LASEK (laser assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy)
power of a lens. this is a form of surface laser treatment in which the
corneal skin layer is soaked with dilute alcohol to
Excimer laser this type of laser removes tissue by loosen it before removal.
non-thermal vapourisation (photoablation). Excimer
lasers are extremely accurate and do not damage Laser vision correction correction of sight using
the surrounding tissues. They are used in LASIK and excimer and/or femtosecond lasers to alter the
surface laser treatments (PRK, LASEK and TransPRK). curvature and focusing power of the cornea.
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LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) this is the to break the lens up into small fragments before
commonest form of laser vision correction in which phacoemulsification.
a thin protective flap is created using a femtosecond
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in cataract
laser. The protective flap is moved aside by the
surgery and RLE, the IOL is implanted within the capsule
surgeon before optical reshaping of the cornea
of the natural lens. This thin, clear membrane then
using an excimer laser. The flap is then replaced, and
shrink-wraps the IOL and stabilises it in the natural
adheres without stitches, keeping the corneal skin
position in the eye. As part of this healing up process,
layer intact and giving a fast visual recovery.
the membrane often goes misty, causing gradual
Meibomian glands the specialized oil glands in the loss of vision after surgery. This is posterior capsule
eyelids that pump out a stabilizing layer of oil each opacification (PCO). It can be treated successfully with
time we blink that floats on top of the watery layer a one-off minor laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy.
of the tear film. Inflammation of the eyelid margins
Presbyopia age related loss of reading vision and
upsetting this layer (blepharitis or meibomitis) is one
the ability to focus on a near object without help
of the commonest reasons for eye discomfort.
from glasses.
Micromonovision this is the name often given to the
PIOL (phakic intraocular lens) an eye that still
strategy of aiming for a clearer distance focus in one
has the natural lens in place is described as ‘phakic.’
eye and a clearer focus at arms’ length in the other.
PIOLs are small, synthetic lenses that are implanted
Input from the two eyes combines to extend the
in the eye without taking the natural lens out. PIOL
range of focus for patients in the reading glasses age
implantation is an alternative to laser vision correction
group undergoing vision correction surgery.
for younger patients.
Monofocal IOL an IOL with one clear point of focus.
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) as we age,
These are the lenses most commonly used in standard
the vitreous shrinks and will often peel off the back of
cataract surgery. They have fewer optical side effects
the eye. For some of us, this event passes unnoticed.
than multifocal lenses, but glasses are normally
In others, a new shower of floaters will prompt them
required for at least some activities after implantation.
to attend for an eye examination. Doctors examining
Multifocal IOL an IOL with more than one point of patients after a PVD look carefully for any abnormal
clear focus. Multifocal IOLs are often used in RLE in attachment of the gel to the retina which could lead
order to help increase freedom from glasses in the to a retinal detachment.
near range as well as providing good distance vision.
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) this is a form of
Myopia short sight. People with myopia are able to surface laser treatment in which preparatory removal
see up close but not in the distance. They typically of the corneal skin layer is done by the surgeon.
first need glasses as school age children. The amount
Refraction this is the test that is done to determine
of myopia is shown as a negative number in your
the numbers in your spectacle prescription and the
spectacle prescription.
amount of myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
Natural Lens the natural lens sits just behind the
Refractive surgery this is another name for vision
pupil and is suspended by a trampoline like array
correction surgery or surgery to reduce the need for
of microligaments from the ciliary muscle, which
glasses and contact lenses.
contracts during accommodation. The natural lens
accounts for one third of the focusing power of the Retina the carpet of light sensitive cells lining the back of
eye and is the flexible element of focus. The natural the eye, which is sometimes described as ‘the film in the
lens gets less flexible with age. It also becomes less camera.’ Images are focused on the retina by the cornea,
clear as we get older. If the natural lens gets misty the natural lens. Information from the retina is fed
enough to make vision hazy, it is called a cataract. through the optic nerve to the visual areas of the brain.

Phacoemulsification this is the standard technique Retinal detachment the retina sometimes detaches
for liquefying the natural lens in cataract surgery from the eye wall and its blood supply. Urgent surgery
and RLE. Ultrasound energy delivered from the tip is then required to re-attach the retina in order to
of a fine, hollow probe liquefies the lens. Fluid is prevent visual loss. Patients with high myopia are
washed continuously into the eye around the probe, more likely to get a retinal detachment. Retinal
and the liquefied lens material is sucked away. detachments are also more common in the early
Where previously the natural lens had to be shelled years after cataract surgery or RLE. Warning signs
out like a pea, phacoemulsification allows it to be are a sudden change in vision with field loss (a dark
removed through a tiny, key-hole entry into the eye. shadow in part of the visual field); flashing lights (arcs
This development revolutionised modern cataract of light – even with the eyes closed); and a sudden
surgery. Femtosecond lasers are now commonly used new shower of floaters.
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RLE (refractive lens exchange) this is surgery to Visual acuity this is the main measurement of how
replace the natural lens with an IOL. RLE is identical to well we can see and is tested by asking you to read
cataract surgery but is performed in patients who can down a chart which has smaller letters on each line.
see clearly if they wear glasses or contact lenses. The The lower you can read, the better your visual acuity
aim of RLE is to help people to see clearly for more is. Measurements are expressed as a fraction. If your
activities without glasses or contact lenses. visual acuity is 6/6 (normal) then you can see at 6
meters what a normally sighted person can see at 6
SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) this
meters. If your vision is 6/9 you can see at 6 meters
is a form of laser vision correction in which a lens
what a normally sighted person can see from 9 meters
shaped piece of corneal tissue is marked out using a
away et cetera. In the USA, the same measurement
femtosecond laser and removed surgically through a
is made in feet, with 6 meters being roughly 20 feet.
small incision.
Many people are familiar with the American definition
Surface laser treatment a collective term for PRK, of normal ‘20/20’ vision. This is the same as 6/6 vision
LASEK, TransPRK and other similar forms of laser vision in the UK measurement.
correction in which optical reshaping of the cornea is
Vitreous this is the gel filling the back of the eye. It
performed on the corneal surface after removal of the
tends to shrink as we age and accumulates wrinkles
corneal skin layer.
and opacities that cast floating shadows (floaters)
TransPRK (transepithelial PRK) this is a form of on the retina.
surface laser treatment in which the corneal skin layer
Wavefront scan this is an optical map of your eye
is removed by the laser itself.
used to guide modern excimer laser treatments.
Tear film a multilayered wet film covering the front
YAG capsulotomy a one-off minor laser procedure
of the eye, which is essential for vision and comfort.
used to treat posterior capsule opacification (PCO).
A layer of mucus produced by specialized cells in the
conjunctiva helps the watery layer of the tear film
to spread over the eye. The watery layer is stabilized
between blinks by an oily layer that forms a thin film
(a bit like petrol floating on water) and acts to prevent
localized evaporation. The oily layer is pumped
out from specialized glands in the eyelids called
meibomian glands each time we blink.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists

18 Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2HD
T. 020 7935 0702 E. [email protected]
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