Researchers have developed the first 3D printable ocular resins with the potential to offer greater complexity and customisable intraocular lens (IOL) designs.
In the study, published in Current Eye Research, the researchers created lens-like 3D objects using stereolithography. The lenses were found to have good clarity, biocompatibility, and were foldable when injected into a human lens capsule.
Hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic are the two most widely used materials in IOL production for their optical clarity, flexibility, biocompatibility, stability and safety in the eye.
IOLs are typically made using lathing and moulding techniques, which produce high-quality devices but limit design customisation options.
In addition to tailoring lenses to each patient and creating complex designs that are difficult to manufacture with traditional methods, using 3D printing may enable faster production of IOLs to reduce the time between diagnosis and surgery.
Further, 3D printing may reduce production costs and increase affordability to patients.
“We have shown that IOLs could be rapidly prototyped without the requirement to first develop specific IOL moulds or extensive lathing processes,” the study authors said.
“Thus, this would facilitate the creation of novel IOL designs that would be very difficult to prototype with traditional manufacturing methods.”
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