Semi-automated fabrication of customized ocular prosthesis with three-dimensional printing and sublimation transfer printing technology.

An ocular prosthesis is a custom-made polymeric insert that can be placed in an anophthalmic socket for cosmetic rehabilitation of patients who have lost their eyes. The process of creating such a custom-made ocular prosthesis is time-consuming and labor-intensive because it involves artistic work that is carried out manually. This paper proposes a novel semi-automated method for fabricating customized ocular prostheses using three-dimensional (3D) printing and sublimation transfer printing. In the proposed method, an impression mold of the patient's anophthalmic socket is first optically scanned using a 3D scanner to produce a 3D model. The ocular prosthesis is then produced via a digital light processing 3D printer using biocompatible photopolymer resin. Subsequently, an image of the iris and blood vessels of the eye is prepared by modifying a photographed image of the contralateral normal eye, and printed onto the 3D-printed ocular prosthesis using a dye sublimation transfer technique. Cytotoxicity assessments of the base material and fabricated ocular prosthesis indicate that there is no adverse effect on cellular viability and proliferation. The proposed method reduces the time and skill required to fabricate a customized ocular prosthesis, and is expected to provide patients with easier access to quality custom-made ocular prostheses.

[Ocular prosthetics. Fitting, daily use and complications]. / Augenprothetische Versorgung. Anpassung, Handhabung und Komplikationen.

BACKGROUND: Ocular prosthetics make a decisive contribution to the functional, esthetic and psychosomatic rehabilitation of patients after ocular extirpation. OBJECTIVES: This article provides an overview of the fitting, daily care and complications of ocular prosthetics. METHODS: The study comprised a PubMed literature review and own clinical results. RESULTS: Ocular prosthetics made from cryolite glass or perspex can be manufactured and fitted 5-8 weeks after removal of the eye. During this period a conformer is placed within the conjunctival sac in order to prevent scar formation and shrinking of the socket. Artificial eyes can be worn continuously, only interrupted by a short but regular cleaning procedure. Artificial tears and lid hygiene improve the comfort of wearing. Glass prostheses have to be renewed every 1-2 years, while perspex prostheses need to be polished once a year. Complications, such as giant papillary conjunctivitis or blepharoconjunctivitis sicca are facilitated by poor fit, increased age and inappropriate care of the prosthetic device. In the case of socket shrinkage or anophthalmic socket syndrome, surgical interventions are needed to re-enable the use of an artificial eye. CONCLUSION: Adequate fitting, daily care of ocular prosthetics and therapeutic management of associated complications are mandatory for a durable functional, esthetic and psychosomatic rehabilitation after ocular extirpation.

[Department of Traumatology, Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery and Ocular prosthetics, Gel'mgol'ts Moscow Institute of Ocular Diseases: four recent decades]. / Otdel travmatologii, rekostruktivnoi, plasticheskoi khirurgii i glaznogo protezirovaniia Moskovskogo NII glaznykh boleznei im. Gel'mgol'tsa - poslednie 40 let.

Main trends in research and practical activities of the department are reviewed: treatment of injuries, removal of foreign bodies, introduction of new microsurgical technologies and equipment, development of reconstructive laser operations, development of concept of pathogenesis of burn disease, and ophthalmoplasty.