The invention relates to an optical receiver comprising a transimpedance amplifier having an input and an output, a photo detector (PD) for converting the optical power arriving at the receiver, an adjustable impedance element (D1) operationally connected to the input of the transimpedance amplifier, and control means (CU) for controlling the current passinh through the impedance element by adjusting the impedance of the impedance means. In order for the receiver to have a high dynamic range, the adjustable impedance element is a PIN diode and the control means comprise (a) separating means (LPU) for separating the direct voltage component from the output voltage of the transimpedance amplifier, and (b) means (VCU) for adjusting the voltage over the PIN diode directly on the basis of the separated direct voltage component.