The 3D-printed artificial eye is one of the newest examples of ocular prostheses, offering many advantages over conventional types. This article provides explanations about this technology and its benefits compared to older models.
What is 3D Printing Technology?
To better understand this category of ocular prostheses, it is first necessary to provide some information about 3D printing technology. The history of this technology dates back to the 1980s, allowing companies to replicate their prototypes with higher speed and accuracy. 3D printing technology is used in various industries, such as manufacturing industrial parts, medical equipment, and prostheses.
3D printing (English: 3D Printing) refers to a process in which three-dimensional objects are produced using a digital file created by specialized software and the combination of raw materials. Objects are created by layering horizontal sheets on top of each other.
Stages of 3D Printing
To produce a three-dimensional object using this technology, several steps are involved, including:
- Creating a computer-generated 3D model
- Generating an STL file for reading by the 3D printer
- Printing the created model
- Separating the printed part from the printer
- The post-processing phase
How 3D Printers Work?
The functionality of 3D printers is such that after receiving and reading the computer model and performing the relevant adjustments, the printer device prints the object layer by layer in three dimensions. In most cases, these printers are used to create initial prototypes of a product.
Application of 3D Printing in Producing 3D-Printed Artificial Eyes
One of the important applications of 3D printing is the production of medical equipment and prostheses. Due to the high precision and delicacy of 3D models, this technology is widely used in medical science. Through 3D printing and using stem cells, organs such as the heart, eyes, ears, etc., can be produced. In the future, human food needs could also be met using this method.
Implantation of the First 3D-Printed Artificial Eye in a Patient
A person named “Steve Verze,” a patient from London, was the first to use artificial eyes produced by 3D printing technology. This ocular prosthesis was implanted in the patient at Moorfields Eye Hospital. The 3D-printed artificial eye has a more natural appearance compared to other conventional models.
Traditionally, molding the eye socket requires a two-hour procedure. However, with this new method, the process takes only 30 minutes. In the new process, the eye area is first scanned, and then specialized software is used to create a 3D design for the printer.
In the creation of this British patient’s 3D-printed artificial eye, after scanning his eye socket, the generated model was sent to Germany for printing. The construction and printing of the ocular prosthesis model then required only 2.5 hours. Subsequently, the finished prosthesis was shipped back to the UK for fitting.
As evident, the new prosthesis manufacturing process is significantly faster than previous conventional methods, reducing the waiting time from six weeks to approximately two to three weeks. Furthermore, due to the high precision of 3D printers and the detailed computer models, prostheses made this way bear a much closer resemblance to a real eye. It is also worth noting that 3D-printed eye prostheses could pave the way for digital eye prostheses in the future.
Advantages of 3D-Printed Artificial Eyes
This type of ocular prosthesis offers numerous advantages over conventional models. For example, key benefits include the high speed of production, the exceptional accuracy of the created model, and the striking similarity of the manufactured eye to the individual’s healthy eye.
Conclusion
Since 3D printing technology is new and highly precise, it can be utilized in medical fields and for creating prostheses such as artificial eyes. The production of 3D-printed artificial eyes is faster than previous methods and results in a prosthesis that looks much more realistic. Therefore, patients can use these prostheses with greater comfort and confidence.
Mahan Artificial Eye Specialist Clinic, as the first scientific and specialized ocular prosthesis center in Iran, is at your service. Dear patients, if you require consultation or precise pricing information, you can contact our experts at Mahan Ocular Prosthesis Clinic via phone numbers 00982166889076 and 00989128357509, or through an in-person visit to our address listed in the contact us section.
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