The first 3D printed ocular prosthesis was placed on a 40-year-old man

On Thursday, November 25, doctors placed a 3D printed eye on a British patient. According to reports, the new eye prosthesis is more realistic than the old acrylic versions.

Steve Varze is the very first person to receive the eye. The operation took place at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. The 40-year-old believes this is a very important time for all people who have vision problems.

For information, statistics revealed earlier this year that within 20 years, half of the world’s population will suffer from poor eyesight.

Revolutionary technology

With the classic method, patients have to spend two hours waiting for a mold to be made of their orbit. Scientists explained that with this new procedure, the installation time of the prosthesis will be cut in half.

Regarding Varze’s case, he has needed a prosthesis for 20 years, and the one he has just received is more than satisfactory. Indeed, being based on digital 3D technology, the prosthesis will still benefit from several improvements in the future.

For Professor Mandeep Sagoo, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, this is a big step forward. Sagoo said he hopes the upcoming clinical trial will provide them with strong evidence of the value of the new technology, showing the difference to patients.

Affordable and faster to manufacture

Usually, experts make dentures by casting acrylic. They then paint by hand to achieve a color similar to that of the patient’s eyes.

The manufacturing process is however faster and less expensive for the 3D printed prosthesis. A 3D printer can indeed produce up to 150 eyes in just one hour. The components of the prosthesis are printed in color from a powder, using a Z-Corp 510 machine. The resulting shape is then covered with resin.

In any case, people who have vision problems will finally be able to leave their home with confidence thanks to this new 3D printed prosthesis.