Fraunhofer IGD’s Revolutionary Technology Now Used at Moorfields Eye Hospital
London, UK – The renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London has recently implemented a groundbreaking technology in the production of ocular prostheses. Developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD, this technology utilizes 3D printing to manufacture high-quality ocular prostheses with less manual work.
Since its public debut in 2021, this technology has brought hope to hundreds of thousands of people in Europe who require ocular prostheses. With more than 200 patients already benefiting from this new technology, Fraunhofer IGD has now published their methodology and results to date in a paper that appeared in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.
“We are proud to support ocularists in their pursuit to provide optimally adapted artificial eyes that can greatly enhance the quality of life for those affected,” says Johann Reinhard, Deputy Department Head of the 3D Printing Technology Competence Center. The technology developed by Fraunhofer IGD ensures that the ocular prosthesis not only matches the patient’s remaining good eye, but also fits perfectly in the empty eye socket.
The Cuttlefish:Eye software and Cuttlefish® printer driver, developed by Fraunhofer IGD, enable ocularists to use this technology. The software has already been approved as a medical device in the UK and will soon be available in mainland Europe.
In a recent academic paper published in Nature Communications, researchers at Fraunhofer IGD described the technology behind the Cuttlefish:Eye software and the quality of the ocular prostheses created with it. The paper also included an analysis of ten patients, where both the appearance and shape of the prostheses were examined. The results showed that the prostheses were rated as excellent by the ocularists treating the patients.
In addition to consistently high quality, the automated 3D printing process also reduces production time and manual labor. This means that more patients can be treated and their waiting time for a new prosthesis can be shortened. In Europe, around 750,000 people require eye prostheses due to serious injuries or illness.
The digital measuring and production process is also painless for patients, as it no longer requires the traditional alginate impression of the eye socket. Instead, the technology utilizes optical coherence tomography (OCT) to create a scan of both the eye socket and the healthy eye, resulting in a quick and accurate 3D model of the prosthesis.
In addition to ocular prostheses, Fraunhofer IGD is also using their expertise in 3D printing and color to develop dental restorations and facial prostheses.
For more information about ophthalmology research at Fraunhofer IGD, please visit: https://www.igd.fraunhofer.de/en/industries/healthcare/ophtalmology.html
The full paper can be read at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45345-5
About Fraunhofer IGD:
Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD has been setting the standard in visual computing for over 30 years. With a team of 210 researchers, the institute supports companies and institutions across various sectors such as automotive, healthcare, bioeconomics, information technology, and more. Fraunhofer IGD provides customized technological solutions and support for strategic development, including data analysis, hardware and software design, prototyping, and interactive visual systems. With a focus on human-machine interactions, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing and scanning, the institute has been engaged in high-level research since 1987. Fraunhofer IGD operates facilities in Darmstadt, Rostock, and Kiel, and collaborates with its Austrian sister institute for international projects.
Media Contact:
Daniela Welling | Head of Corporate Communications
Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD
Fraunhoferstraße 5 | 64283 Darmstadt – Germany
Phone: +49 6151 155-146 | presse@igd.fraunhofer.de | https://www.igd.fraunhofer.de
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