Good news! 47 year old engineer Steve Verze has become the first patient in the world to receive a custom 3D printed prosthetic eye. Traditionally a prosthetic eye is created by taking a mold of the eye socket, this 3D printed eye was done completely digitally. A digital scan was taken of Verze's eye socket and face to ensure that the new eye would be a perfect fit and a match for his right eye as well. He was then fitted for the prosthetic a month before creating the finished product in Germany and sending back to the UK.

Not only dies the 3D printing method offer a more realistic look, but it could also cut the development time in half - from the current six weeks to around 2 or 3. The realism of the eye is achieved by creating real depth to the pupil. Typical prosthetics are simply painted images on a disc. The 3D printing method allows for more creativity to achieve a natural looking alternative for the patient.

Clinical trials are expected shortly at Moorfields Eye Hospital, in the hopes to bring the approach to the masses.

Source: CNN