Five minutes with Andrew Turnbull
In the first edition of our new five minutes with series, Samantha Franklin IPCL Sales Director sat down with well-known corneal refractive and cataract surgeon and UKISCRS council member Mr Andrew Turnbull.
Andrew established South Coast Vision in 2020 to provide high-quality, personalised vision correction surgery and eye care across Hampshire, Dorset, and the surrounding areas.
The backbone of his practice focuses on an evidence-based approach, and he only offers procedures when completely satisfied that they offer the very best outcomes for his patients.
What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology, and why did you become interested in phakic lens implantation?
There are few areas of medicine where a short procedure can have such a transformative and long-lasting benefit. Cataracts and significant refractive error can both have a significant impact on people’s ability to work, drive or enjoy life.
As ophthalmologists, and more specifically refractive surgeons, we perform procedures that safely and reliably improve vision and enhance patients’ quality of life. With accordingly high levels of patient satisfaction, it is hugely rewarding to be able to do this.
Can you tell us about your experience with phakic IOL implantation, including how many procedures you have performed and the types of phakic IOLs you have used?
The bulk of my practice is refractive cataract surgery, lens replacement and laser vision correction, and I offer phakic IOLs to patients who are unsuitable for laser vision correction. I have previously used the ICL (STAAR) and recently started using the IPCL.
Can you explain the key features and benefits of the IPCL that were of interest to you?
The IPCL comes in a greater range of sizes, spherical and cylindrical powers than similar products. There is more flexibility when it comes to sizing calculations.
The loading and implantation process is very simple and no specific additional instrumentation or wound enlargement is required. Toric IPCLs are designed to always be oriented at 0-180 degrees, which increases the ease and standardisation of the surgical process.
The additional holes located superiorly also reduce the risk of pupil block, as occasionally the central aperture can become blocked with viscoelastic causing an early postoperative pressure spike. The absence of animal products in the lens material is also an important factor for many.
What have been your observations and findings regarding the visual outcomes from your patients who received the IPCL, and how satisfied are they with the results?
The visual outcomes have been very good, with accurate refractive correction and a low incidence of visual disturbances such as haloes and glare, which have typically resolved within a few days.
How does your experience with the IPCL compare to other phakic IOLs you have used? (e.g. calculation, support, ease of handling, surgery, outcomes etc)
The expert support provided by the lens calculation team has been excellent. They are open to discussion about power modifications and size adjustments to optimise the visual outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse events related to under or oversizing.
Each lens is made to order, so the time for manufacturing and shipping should be factored in when scheduling patients.
How do you see the future of phakic IOL technology evolving?
The lens material and design of phakic IOLs have been refined over the years. We now benefit from a very low incidence of premature cataract, pressure problems and endothelial cell loss with appropriate sizing. The final frontier is to refine the sizing calculations to ensure the perfect lens position and vault in every eye and optimise rotational stability.
What are your three favourite features of IPCL?
Ease of loading and implantation; additional holes to prevent pupil block; lens calculation process.
When would you suggest IPCL as a treatment option to patients?
For patients with significant ametropia or presbyopia, suitable anatomy with no other ocular pathology and who are either unsuitable or unwilling to undergo laser vision correction. IPCL is a safe and reliable option for refractive correction.
Interested in adding IPCL to your refractive range? Enquire Now.