Why is One-day PIOL possible in Korea?

What is PIOL?

Before we can understand the ‘why’ we have to comprehend the ‘what’. So what is PIOL? PIOL or, Phakic intraocular lens, is a modern vision correction surgery technique that was developed for patients who are not good candidates for laser surgery, like LASEK, LASIK or SMILE. PIOL is an implantable lens in the eye.  You can almost think of it as having your contacts surgically and permanently implanted into your eyes. 

What is the regular PIOL process?


As with all vision correction surgeries you will need to undergo a thorough eye examination first. The reason for this is that some patients may be better suited to get LASEK, LASIK or maybe even SMILE. And this can only be determined after undergoing the eye examination which is then studied by an ophthalmologist in order to make a recommendation. 

Once the eye examination is complete the doctor might recommend PIOL as your best option. This is usually the case for patients who cannot undergo laser surgery due to extremely high myopia or astigmatism, individuals with very thin corneas and maybe even people who might be scared of laser surgery (even though it is ABSOLUTELY safe).

Before surgery the doctor will use numbing eye drops which will reduce any discomfort you might feel during the procedure. Drops are also used to dilate the pupil. Once your eyes are ready, you will lie down on your back and the ophthalmologist will begin the implantation process. The lens can be implanted either just in front of or just behind the pupil. This is determined by the doctor before the procedure. The PIOL lense is rolled up and inserted into the eye. Once it is inserted the ophthalmologist will move it around to make sure it is in the correct position. The entire process takes around 30 minutes for both eyes and will be over before you even know it. Usually vision improves immediately after the procedure.

What is the One-day PIOL process?

Now that we understand the basic process of lens implantation we can look at the difference between planned implantation and one day implantation. Korea and B&VIIT is one of the only places in the world that has one day lens implantation capabilities. The reason that lens implantation may take days or even weeks is because the actual lens needs to be manufactured according to the eye examination results of each person. 

B&VIIT works with a highly convenient lens manufacturer and distributor. This means that after the eye examination the clinic can order the lens and it will be delivered within an hour to the clinic! Also, since B&VIIT has numerous surgery cases of PIOL, there are enough stocks at the back. Due to this extremely efficient service, the clinic has the unique ability to complete the entire surgery in just one day.

The patient will arrive before midday and have their eye examination done. After the results conclude that they are eligible PIOL candidates, the clinic will order the lens. One hour later the lens arrives and the patient is prepped for surgery. The actual surgery takes just 30 minutes and it is all done. You will undergo one final post op check and if the doctor says everything is in order, you are free to go. 

Safety of one day vs planned implantation

Dr. Ik-hee Ryu has compared the results of patients receiving one day and planned PIOL procedures and has found there to be no material differences at all. He looked specifically at: stability, corrected distance vision results, refractive astigmatism and refractive outcomes. 

In conclusion, during the pandemic there has been a large psychological shift in that patients like to spend as little time in public spaces including medical facilities so as to minimize their risk of potential infection. B&VIIT has seen an increase from 38% to 52% in one day procedures, indicating that more and more people are interested in getting their procedures done with as few visits to the clinic as possible. 

Same-Day EVO ICL Surgery and B&VIIT Clinic’s Unique Approach to Increased Surgical Volume

Dr. Ik-hee Ryu has shared how the ‘Same-Day EVO ICL Surgery’ concept has driven refractive surgical volumes in their clinic. He also provided key insights into increasing and maintaining his ICL surgical volume utilizing social media marketing campaigns and AI driven data.

Check out his webinar from this link below.

[Watch the Replay]

Published by B&VIIT EYE CENTER

B&VIIT Eye Center is an ultra-modern, Korea's representative ophthalmic clinic that has successfully accomplished vision correction surgeries on over 500,000 eyes for 27 years.

4 thoughts on “Why is One-day PIOL possible in Korea?

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