3D Printing in Eye Care

Abstract

Three-dimensional printing enables precise modeling of anatomical structures and has been employed in a broad range of applications across medicine. Its earliest use in eye care included orbital models for training and surgical planning, which have subsequently enabled the design of custom-fit prostheses in oculoplastic surgery. It has evolved to include the production of surgical instruments, diagnostic tools, spectacles, and devices for delivery of drug and radiation therapy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased demand for personal protective equipment and supply chain shortages inspired many institutions to 3D-print their own eye protection. Cataract surgery, the most common procedure performed worldwide, may someday make use of custom-printed intraocular lenses. Perhaps its most alluring potential resides in the possibility of printing tissues at a cellular level to address unmet needs in the world of corneal and retinal diseases. Early models toward this end have shown promise for engineering tissues which, while not quite ready for transplantation, can serve as a useful model for in vitro disease and therapeutic research. As more institutions incorporate in-house or outsourced 3D printing for research models and clinical care, ethical and regulatory concerns will become a greater consideration. This report highlights the uses of 3D printing in eye care by subspecialty and clinical modality, with an aim to provide a useful entry point for anyone seeking to engage with the technology in their area of interest.

Surgical Medical Education via 3D Bioprinting: Modular System for Endovascular Training

“…Starting from magnetic resonance imaging or computer tomography, it is possible to achieve a 3D digital anatomical model and fabricate the final device, aiming to support better surgical planning and tissue regeneration [26][27][28]. The first approach is already used in different fields of surgery, such as cardiovascular [29], thoracic [30], facial plastic and reconstructive [31], eye care [32], otolaryngology [33], cranio-maxillofacial [34], cranial neurosurgery [35], spinal [36], and orthopaedic surgery [37] and has demonstrated the potential to reduce errors and costs. Hence, in the healthcare context, it is mandatory to evaluate AM families, select the technologies/materials able to reproduce the required medical device, and meet all of the governance requirements [38].…”

Recent Advances of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems: Prominence of Ocular Implants for Chronic Eye Diseases

“…Additionally, 3D printing could be employed for the development of highly accurate, individualized medical instruments [ 459 ]. Over the past 10 years, 3D printing has been heavily utilized in the fields of contact lens manufacturing, drug delivery to ocular tissues, implants, ocular research, and diagnostic models production [ 460 ].…”

Aplicações da manufatura aditiva em oftalmologia

“…(15) IMPRESSÃO TRIDIMENSIONAL NA OFTALMOLOGIA O campo da oftalmologia começou a implantar a impressão tridimensional na área da educação por meio de modelos anatômicos, nos planejamentos cirúrgicos, em modelos de pesquisa, implantes, lentes, diagnósticos, aplicações terapêuticas e, mais recentemente, na proteção ocular durante a pandemia da doença pelo coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). (16) Ela permite um desenho econômico e a produção de instrumentos que auxiliem na detecção precoce de condições oculares comuns, bem como o desenvolvimento de dispositivos diagnósticos e terapêuticos que podem ser personalizados. (1) Seu primeiro uso na área surgiu com modelos de cavidades orbitárias.…”