Posters

3D printing technology would be capable of overcoming the industrial manufacturing in ophthalmology?

Poster Details

First Author: S. Canabrava BRAZIL

Co Author(s):    A. Resende   G. Eliazar   S. Barbosa de Figueiredo   P. Henriques   A. Diniz Filho        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

This study evaluated biomechanical aspects, perioperative maneuverability, and safety of Cana’s ring (CR) pupil expansion device created by two distinct materials and production processes.

Setting:

Clínica de Olhos da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Methods:

Patients scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery with recommended use of pupil expansion devices were divided in two study groups: (1) 3D-printed VisiJet CR and (2) manufactured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) CR. Biomechanical features such as breaking strength, resilience, and surface roughness from both devices were assessed. Pupil diameter measurement, was evaluated before and after the surgery. Also intraoperative complications, ease to use and occurrence of abnormalities as pupil distortions, sphincter ruptures, and iris atrophy was also described.

Results:

30 eyes from thirty patients were recruited at the Santa Casa of Belo Horizonte cataract service for this study and equally distributed between groups. During our laboratory testing, the manufactured ring showed an increased resistance to breakage, superior resilience and a polished surface obtained with a double optic disc polish system when compared with the 3D-printed device. Although outcomes were very similar between groups surgeons reported a higher incidence of iris atrophy lesions during the surgery in the 3-D printed device group. Furthermore, the 3D-printed CR reports show more technical difficulties for correct placing.

Conclusions:

Due to it's ability to simply change design in different types of materials, 3D printing technology may offer customized devices helping ophthalmologists to create instruments at a relatively low cost, allowing their access in developing countries. However, 3D printing technology has some limitations. Improvement in 3D printing technology is needed to turn it into an important tool in Ophthalmology.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE