Researchers from the United Kingdom have developed a novel resin, suitable for 3D printing intraocular devices. They say the resin has the potential to revolutionise the production of eye implants and that the proofof-concept material would allow for “unlimited design iterations”.

The researchers, from the University of East Anglia (UEA), said fabrication of intraocular lenses using existing moulding and lathing techniques is a “complex and time-consuming process that limits the development of novel materials and designs”.

“To overcome these limitations, we have developed a stereolithography-based process for producing models of clear lens designs without refractive function, serving as a proof of concept.”

An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is primarily required for people with cataracts but can also be used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia.

Lead author Dr Aram Saeed, Associate Professor in Healthcare Technologies at UEA’s School of Pharmacy, said: “For the first time, we have developed a resin that can be used to print ocular devices directly.

“While still in the early stages, the ability to 3D print these lenses could significantly enhance eye care for patients by offering unprecedented levels of customisation and design precision, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes.”

The research team’s efforts have been recognised with the awarding of a United States patent, assigned to UEA Enterprise Limited, a business entity of the university focussed on fostering innovation and commercialising research.

UEA researchers continue to collaborate closely with industry partners to refine the technology. Further work is underway to ensure the process’s accuracy on a larger scale and to increase the printing resolution for better dimensional accuracy.

Clinical trials are anticipated to begin in the next few years.

The research was published in Current Eye Research.1

Reference avaialable at mivision.com.au