Stereolithographic Rapid Prototyping of Clear, Foldable, Non-Refractive Intraocular Lens Designs: A Proof-of-Concept...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Ophthalmology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide, necessitating intraocular lens (IOL) replacement.
• Current IOL fabrication methods are complex, time-consuming, and limit material and design innovation.
• There is a need for advanced techniques to accelerate the development of novel IOLs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a stereolithography (SLA)-based rapid prototyping process for IOL prototypes.
• To create lens models without refractive function as a proof of concept for new IOL development.
• To explore the potential for unlimited design iterations and expanded material options in IOL research.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of lens-like 3D objects using a photopolymerizable resin via SLA.
• Characterization of printed object morphology (SEM), transparency (UV-Vis spectrophotometry), and thermal properties (DSC).
• Assessment of biocompatibility using a human lens cell line (LDH assay) and evaluation of foldability in a human capsular bag model.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of transparent, one-piece lens-like 3D objects with loop-haptic design using SLA.
• Demonstrated biocompatibility with human lens cells and successful folding and shape recovery in an in vitro capsular bag model.
• UV spectroscopy confirmed transparency, and LDH assay indicated cell tolerance to the prototyping material.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully demonstrated a rapid prototyping approach using stereolithography for IOL research.
• This proof-of-principle highlights the potential of SLA for accelerating the development of novel intraocular lens designs and materials.
• The technique offers significant advantages for exploring new possibilities in IOL research and development.