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A new method has been created by scientists to efficiently and quickly 3D print highly realistic custom artificial eyes.
The researchers propose that the resulting eyes may have a more authentic look and a superior fit when compared to existing techniques.
According to professionals, approximately eight million individuals across the globe use a prosthetic eye, and undergoing rehabilitation is crucial for both mental acceptance and physical appearance.
The current method for producing customized eyes is a lengthy process and demands expert manual work to create each prosthesis specifically for a patient.
According to the researchers, this procedure may require more than eight hours of labor and results in the creation of artificial eyes of different levels of excellence.
Researchers from Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD in Germany, led by Johann Reinhard, have created and evaluated a digital method for creating prosthetics for individuals in need of an artificial eye.
They scanned 10 patients’ eye sockets and healthy eyes, and the prosthetic was automatically shaped to fit the eye socket.
Printing a single prosthesis, with full color and made from multiple materials, takes approximately 90 minutes. Alternatively, printing 100 prostheses at once requires around 20 hours.
The scientists successfully recreated the hue and physical features of the second eye, specifically the color, dimension, and arrangement of the iris, as well as the appearance of the outer white layer of the eyeball.
The researchers estimate that the artificial eye needed a few final tweaks, but overall, this method required significantly less labor and produced more consistent results compared to traditional processes.
In a publication in Nature Communications, the authors suggest that their discoveries could inspire further exploration and advancement of data-driven design techniques and multi-material 3D printing for different kinds of prosthetics, such as teeth replacements or facial implants.
It may be feasible to integrate this advancement with traditional prosthetics, such as creating covers that resemble the patient’s own appearance.
Source: independent.co.uk
