Researchers use 3D printing for prosthetic eyes

A British company says it has created a 3D printed prosthetic eye that may be suitable for patients in the developing world.

Fripp Design and Research says the system they created in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University can print eyes and post-process them in a fraction of the time it takes to hand-paint eyes in the traditional way, and at a fraction of the cost.

After the eye image is digitally created and overlayed into 3D form, components are printed from powder in color using a machine, and the form is then encased in resin. Eyes are available in small, medium and large sizes and have all the intricate color details of hand-painted eyes. The company, now in final stages of refining the manufacturing process, says it can produce 150 eyes in an hour. 

Though the eyes are not yet available for shipping, India has reportedly expressed an interest in 3D prosthetic eyes.