3D printing: optimally customised ocular prostheses

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD (Darmstadt) presented their technology for the first time almost three years ago. In close collaboration with the British company Ocupeye Ltd and the hospital, the scientists from Darmstadt had developed a special process to create a virtual model from a scan of the eye socket and a photo of the healthy eye. The pioneering technology for manufacturing prostheses was used for the first time in a clinical trial on patients at Moorfields Eye Hospital in 2021. Since then, 3D printing has revolutionised the manufacture of ocular prostheses, with more than 200 patients already benefiting from the new technology.

explains Johann Reinhard, Deputy Head of Department at the 3D Printing Technology Competence Centre. According to Reinhard, patients describe the 3D-printed eye prostheses as life-changing. The researchers ensure that the prosthesis not only fits perfectly with the second eye, but also fits into the eye socket in the best possible way with their scanning and 3D printing process - using the Cuttlefish:Eye software and the Cuttlefish® printer driver. The software has so far been approved as a medical device in the UK and is also set to be used in mainland Europe in the future.

In a recent publication, the Fraunhofer researchers describe the technology behind the software as well as current results. It has been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

In the future, the researchers' experience in the production of artificial eyes will also be transferred to other areas. For example, they could be used for dental restorations and the production of epitheses.

News of the "transcript" from 04.03.2024