A study published in Nature Communications on the 27th reported a faster and less labor-intensive technology that can customize more realistic artificial eyes for people through modeling and 3D printing. Researchers believe that the artificial eye produced by this technology has a more natural appearance and better compatibility. Approximately 8 million people around the world wear artificial eyes, and the true recovery of artificial eyes is important for both psychological identity and external appearance. However, the current process of producing customized artificial eyes is time-consuming and requires skilled workers to handcraft each patient. Generally speaking, the entire process takes over 8 hours, and even so, the quality of the produced artificial eye varies. The Fraunhofer Institute of Computer Graphics in Germany has developed and tested a digital technology for producing artificial eyes for patients in need. They used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to scan the orbits and healthy eyes of 10 patients, enabling the prosthetic eye to automatically adjust to fit the shape of the orbit. Researchers use a multi material 3D printer to print textured 3D color models. The printing time for a single artificial eye is about 90 minutes, while printing 100 artificial eyes simultaneously takes about 10 hours. 3D printed artificial eyes can effectively replicate the color and anatomical structure of the opposite eye, especially in terms of color, size, iris structure, and sclera appearance (the sclera is the white outer layer of the eyeball). Researchers say that although these artificial eyes still require final adjustments, this method only requires 1/5 of the manual labor required by traditional techniques, and the final artificial eyes are more realistic. Further development of this digital technology may enable patients who were previously unsuitable for artificial eyes (such as children) to also use them. It is expected that approximately 80% of patients who require artificial eyes can utilize this technology at present. The NHS Trust at the Moffey Eye Hospital in the UK is conducting clinical trials to test these prosthetics. Compared to traditional methods of producing prosthetics, the trials will continue to focus on the long-term performance and impact of these 3D printed prosthetics. 【 Editor in Chief Circle 】 It can be seen from the pictures attached with the study that without any prompts, it is almost impossible to see which eye of the patient is a prosthetic eye. Eyes of the same color, equally clear and divine. Installing artificial eyes is actually a remedial measure for facial defects. Patients who unfortunately lose their eyeballs or have eyeball atrophy can better integrate into social life through artificial eyes. If artificial eyes can be more realistic, with shorter production time and more guaranteed quality, it is undoubtedly good news for the group that needs artificial eyes. This is a warm technology that focuses on minority groups in need, empowering the weak and moving forward. (Lai Xin She)
Edit：GuoGuo Responsible editor：FangZhiYou
Source：people.cn
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