A renowned London hospital has made history as one of their patients has received the world’s first 3D-printed prosthetic eye.
On Thursday, November 25, 2021, Moorfields Eye Hospital supplied a digitally scanned and printed prosthetic eye to Steve Verze, who lives in East London.
According to creators, the 3D eye looks more lifelike than any other prosthetic and can be fitted twice as fast as the long-established acrylic prosthetic eye.
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Mr Verze has experienced eye complications throughout most of his life and has “needed a prosthetic” since he was 20.
He said: “I’ve always felt self-conscious about it. When I leave my home, I often take a second glance in the mirror, and I’ve not liked what I’ve seen.
“This new eye looks fantastic and with it being based on 3D digital printing technology, it’s only going to be better and better.”
The hospital has reported that the development process of the new artificial eye will take half the time to complete, with medical officials involved with the project saying the entire procedure will take three weeks instead of six.
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Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Professor Mandeep Sagoo said: “We are excited about the potential for this fully digital prosthetic eye.
“We hope the forthcoming clinical trial will provide us with robust evidence about the value of this new technology, showing what a difference it makes for patients.”
He added: “It clearly has the potential to reduce waiting lists.”
Individuals wear a prosthetic eye if their normal eye has not developed normally from birth, if they have been in accident with the eye leaving it scarred or if the eye has had to be removed for another reason.
