2023-06-23 13:30:00
Currently, the production of prosthetic eyes is done mostly by hand. In this way, the quality of the product depends on the skill of the ocularists. It can take more than 24 hours or more to shape and paint a prosthetic eye.
To streamline and standardize this process, a group of Australian scientists is studying 3D scanning technology and high-resolution photos to make replicas of a patient’s existing eye and print it in 3D in just one hour.
These pieces are aimed at people who have suffered an accident, had cancer in the region or were born without this organ.
After printing, the eye still needs to be adjusted by a skilled optician for perfect accuracy and finish. With this technology, it would be easier, for example, to recreate an eye in case of loss or damage, and the backup is certainly easier to obtain than the one done by hand.
The ongoing study involves 10 patients, and if successful, a larger clinical trial could be next. For those most concerned, it is worth mentioning that even with technological advances, ocular trading is unlikely to become entirely obsolete.
For James Novak, senior researcher at the Herston Biofabrication Institute, in this case the machine will not replace the human being. So does Nicholas Puls, an ocularist at Queensland Health who makes and paints prosthetic eyes. Novak said that a hybrid approach that combines the best elements of what a 3D printer and a human can do is the best option for ensure practicality and quality.
1687545602
#Australian #scientists #test #printing #prosthetic #eyes