'How 3D printing is revolutionising cataract treatment'

My only experience of 3D ­printing is a piece of art but, astonishingly, it could be the answer for people with ­cataracts and other conditions such as near and farsightedness.

To this end, University of East Anglia researchers developed a novel resin for 3D printing lenses and other ­intraocular devices.

A new artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is primarily needed for people with cataracts, a condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, obscuring vision.

But they can also be used to help correct vision errors such as myopia ­(nearsightedness), hyperopia ­(farsightedness) and presbyopia, when eyes gradually lose the ability to see things clearly up close, as a normal part of ageing.

Lead author Dr Aram Saeed, ­associate professor at UEA, is ­enthusiastic: “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.”

Historically, IOLs have been made from a variety of materials, including glass and silicone, and most recently acrylic materials – but they have inherent limitations.

Dr Saeed added: “ 3D printing could significantly enhance the production of ocular devices, not only improving speed and precision in manufacturing but also enabling greater complexity and customisation in design.” The pay-offs are immense:

• Tailored lenses: 3D printing creates lenses customised to each patient’s eye shape and vision needs.
• Faster production: it reduces the time between diagnosis and surgery, providing faster care for patients.
• Complex designs: 3D printing can better address a wider range of vision problems.
• Cost: lenses will be more affordable for more patients.

The study found that the 3D-printed lenses are clean, can be folded, and implanted into the eye.

Co-author Michael Wormstone, emeritus professor at UEA, said: “If successful in further developments, this new technology could ­transform the industry by enabling portable manufacturing ­solutions, ­especially beneficial in remote and economically disadvantaged areas”.

It’s hoped clinical trials could start in the next few years.

Dr Saeed and Prof Wormstone have a strong partnership with the ophthalmology (eye) ­department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH), which brings ­valuable clinical insights and creative approaches to their work with UEA.

Mr Anas Injarie, who is a leading consultant ophthalmologist at NNUH with more than 20 years of experience, said: “This innovation
has the potential to enable the ­production of lenses that match patient ­specifications in design and optical performance.”

A great step forward.