University of East Anglia researchers have achieved a major advancement in ocular device technology by creating a new type of resin for 3D printing intraocular devices. This innovation has the potential to improve the production of eye implants that are commonly used in cataract and refractive surgeries. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is mainly needed for individuals with cataracts, which is a condition where theThe eye’s natural lens can become cloudy, leading to obscured vision. Additionally, these lenses can also be used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia. Dr. Aram Saeed, lead author and Associate Professor in Healthcare Technologies at UEA’s School of Pharmacy, stated that they have developed a resin that can be directly used to print ocular devices for the first time. Though still in its early stages, the ability to 3D print these lenses could greatly improve eye care for patients by providing unprecedented accuracy.Unprecedented levels of customization and precision in design have the potential to improve clinical outcomes.”
Traditionally, IOLs have been manufactured using a variety of materials, such as glass and silicone. However, the industry has shifted towards predominantly using acrylic materials.
Hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic are currently the most commonly used materials due to their exceptional optical clarity, flexibility, biocompatibility with the body, and their stability and safety within the eye.
Current methods for manufacturing IOLs involve lathing and molding techniques. While theThese methods provide the ability to create high-quality optical devices, but they have limitations when it comes to designing complex and customized products. Dr. Aram Saeed believes that 3D printing has the potential to greatly improve the production of ocular devices, making manufacturing faster and more precise while also allowing for more intricate and personalized designs. The proof-of-concept paper is the first in a series that will outline their advancements in this field and pave the way for innovations in eye care worldwide. Their work combines material science with healthcare technology.Technology and expertise are vital in the development of these types of optical devices.” “Our aim is to lead the industry by sharing our findings and advancements, collaborating with industrial partners and researchers globally to improve the technology,” said the researchers. Even though the innovation is still in its early stages, it could offer several potential benefits: Customized Lenses: 3D printing has the potential to create lenses tailored to each patient’s eye shape and vision requirements, which could enhance vision correction and comfort.
Increased Speed of Production: When compared to traditional methods, 3D printing has the potential to speed up the design, testing, and manufacturing of lenses. This increased speed could lead to faster care for patients by reducing the time between diagnosis and surgery.
- Creation of Complex Designs: 3D printing allows for the creation of intricate lens shapes that were previously challenging to manufacture. These designs have the potential to better address a wider range of vision problems.
- Lowered Production Costs: By utilizing 3D printing, the production cost of custom or high-quality lenses could be reduced. This has the potential to make these lenses more accessible to a broader population.Quality lenses may become more affordable for a larger number of patients, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. This could ultimately lead to improved public health outcomes.
- Compatibility with Imaging: Researchers are optimistic that the combination of 3D printing and advanced imaging technologies in the future could result in the production of lenses that are perfectly fitted to individual patients’ eyes, reducing the need for post-surgery adjustments or complications.
- Material Innovation: 3D printing enables the development of new materials with enhanced optical performance.The study discovered that 3D printed lenses have excellent optical clarity and can be folded for implantation into a human capsular bag. Co-author Michael Wormstone, Emeritus Professor at UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, believes that this new technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry by allowing for portable manufacturing solutions, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas. Furthermore, it could support the production of premium, customised lenses that could improve surgical outcomes.The team has received a United States patent, which has been assigned to UEA Enterprise Limited, a business entity of the university that focuses on promoting innovation and commercializing research. The researchers at UEA are collaborating with industry partners to enhance the technology. They are working on ensuring that the process works accurately on a larger scale and improving the printing resolution to enhance the dimensional accuracy. There are hopes that clinical trials could commence in the next few years.aeed and Prof Wormstone have a strong partnership with the ophthalmology department at Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital (NNUH), which brings valuable clinical insights and visionary approaches to their work, with both UEA and the hospital members of the pioneering Norwich Research Park.
Mr Anas Injarie, a leading consultant ophthalmologist at NNUH with over 20 years of experience, stated: “This innovation has the potential to allow the creation of lenses that meet patient specifications in design and optical performance.
“For premium markets, it offers an exciting opportunity to provide customized treatments thatThe University of East Anglia funded the research through the Innovation Development Fund and Proof-Of-Concept grants, as well as the Humane Research Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Additional funding came from UEA’s Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) and the Medical Research Council (MRC). The study, titled ‘Stereolithographic Rapid Prototyping of Clear, Foldable, Non-refractive Intraocular Lens Designs: A Proof-of-Concept Study,’ can be found in the journal Current Eye Research.
