Custom-made artificial eyes using 3D printing for dogs: A preliminary study.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Engineering
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Companion animals suffer from incurable eye diseases leading to phthisis bulbi and enucleation.
• Current ocular prostheses and implants are limited by cost, customization, and suitability for damaged eyes.
• Existing methods like silicone balls are not universally applicable, especially with corneal impairment or atrophy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop affordable, customized artificial eyes (implants and prostheses) for companion animals using 3D printing.
• To address limitations of current artificial eye solutions in veterinary medicine.
• To provide a personalized surgical option for animals requiring eye removal.

Main Methods:

• Computer-aided design (CAD) and B-mode ultrasonography for precise artificial eye sizing.
• 3D printing using polycaprolactone (PCL) for prostheses and PCL/hydroxyapatite (HA) for implants.
• Surgical implantation and clinical/histopathological evaluation in beagle dogs over 6 months.

Main Results:

• 3D printed artificial eyes were produced within 1.5 hours at low cost.
• The ocular implants demonstrated biocompatibility with induced host tissue ingrowth.
• Custom-made prostheses provided excellent cosmetic results post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• 3D printed artificial eyes offer a cost-effective and personalized solution for veterinary ophthalmology.
• The technology shows promise for improving outcomes in animals undergoing eye removal surgery.
• Further long-term studies are warranted, but this approach may benefit many animals needing custom artificial eyes.