4714Accesses
47Citations
13Altmetric
1Mention
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth understanding of how to best utilize 3D printing in medicine, and more particularly in ophthalmology in order to enhance the clinicians’ ability to provide out-of-the-box solutions for unusual challenges that require patient personalization. In this review, we discuss the main applications of 3D printing for diseases of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and discuss their current status and implementation. We aim to raise awareness among ophthalmologists and report current and future developments.
Methods
A computerized search from inception up to 2018 of the online electronic database PubMed was performed, using the following search strings: “3D,” “printing,” “ophthalmology,” and “bioprinting.” Additional data was extracted from relevant websites. The reference list in each relevant article was analyzed for additional relevant publications.
Results
3D printing first appeared three decades ago. Nevertheless, the implementation and utilization of this technology in healthcare became prominent only in the last 5 years. 3D printing applications in ophthalmology are vast, including organ fabrication, medical devices, production of customized prosthetics, patient-tailored implants, and production of anatomical models for surgical planning and educational purposes.
Conclusions
The potential applications of 3D printing in ophthalmology are extensive. 3D printing enables cost-effective design and production of instruments that aid in early detection of common ocular conditions, diagnostic and therapeutic devices built specifically for individual patients, 3D-printed contact lenses and intraocular implants, models that assist in surgery planning and improve patient and medical staff education, and more. Advances in bioprinting appears to be the future of 3D printing in healthcare in general, and in ophthalmology in particular, with the emerging possibility of printing viable tissues and ultimately the creation of a functioning cornea, and later retina. It is expected that the various applications of 3D printing in ophthalmology will become part of mainstream medicine.
This is a preview of subscription content,log in via an institution to check access.
Access this article
Subscribe and save
- Get 10 units per month
- Download Article/Chapter or eBook
- 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
- Cancel anytime
Buy Now
Price includes VAT (Japan)
Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chen J (2018) Disruptive Technology. Investopedia.https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/disruptive-technology.asp. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Kodama H (1981) A scheme for three-dimensional display by automatic fabrication of three-dimensional model. IEICE Trans Electron 237–241
Alexandra P (2017) The complete guide to stereolithography (SLA) in 3D printing. 3Dnatives.https://www.3dnatives.com/en/stereolithography-explained100420174/. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Mendoza HR (2015) Alain Le Méhauté, the man who submitted patent for SLA 3D printing before Chuck Hull.3DPrint.com.https://3dprint.com/65466/reflections-alain-le-mehaute/. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Freedman D (2011) Layer by layer. MIT Technol. Revhttps://www.technologyreview.com/s/426391/layer-by-layer/. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Dodziuk H (2016) Applications of 3D printing in healthcare. Kardiochir Torakochirurgia Pol 13:283–293.https://doi.org/10.5114/kitp.2016.62625
Langnau L (2016) How to determine 3D printing speed. Make Parts Fast. Digit. Netw.https://www.makepartsfast.com/determine-3d-printing-speed. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Mankovich NJ, Cheeseman AM, Stoker NG (1990) The display of three-dimensional anatomy with stereolithographic models. J Digit Imaging 3:200–203.https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03167610
Eppley BL, Sadove AM (1998) Computer-generated patient models for reconstruction of cranial and facial deformities. J Craniofac Surg 9:548–556
Pucci JU, Christophe BR, Sisti JA, Connolly ESJ (2017) Three-dimensional printing: technologies, applications, and limitations in neurosurgery. Biotechnol Adv 35:521–529.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.05.007
Zhong N, Zhao X (2017) 3D printing for clinical application in otorhinolaryngology. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 274:4079–4089.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-017-4743-0
Abudayyeh I, Gordon B, Ansari MM et al (2018) A practical guide to cardiovascular 3D printing in clinical practice: overview and examples. J Interv Cardiol 31:375–383.https://doi.org/10.1111/joic.12446
Cheng GZ, San Jose Estepar R, Folch E et al (2016) Three-dimensional printing and 3D slicer: powerful tools in understanding and treating structural lung disease. Chest 149:1136–1142.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2016.03.001
Soon DSC, Chae MP, Pilgrim CHC et al (2016) 3D haptic modelling for preoperative planning of hepatic resection: a systematic review. Ann Med Surg 10:1–7.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2016.07.002
Liu Z-J, Jia J, Zhang Y-G et al (2017) Internal fixation of complicated acetabular fractures directed by preoperative surgery with 3D printing models. Orthop Surg 9:257–260.https://doi.org/10.1111/os.12324
Jastifer JR, Gustafson PA (2017) Three-dimensional printing and surgical simulation for preoperative planning of deformity correction in foot and ankle surgery. J Foot Ankle Surg 56:191–195.https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2016.01.052
Zopf DA, Hollister SJ, Nelson ME et al (2013) Bioresorbable airway splint created with a three-dimensional printer. N Engl J Med 368:2043–2045
Kite-Powell J (2014) Peking University implants first 3D printed vertebra. Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2014/08/19/peking-university-implants-first-3d-printed-vertebra/#7110c5c722c9. Accesed 28 Feb 2019
Atala A, Bauer SB, Soker S et al (2006) Tissue-engineered autologous bladders for patients needing cystoplasty. Lancet 367:1241–1246.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)68438-9
Bhatt A, Anbarasu A (2017) Nanoscale biomaterials for 3D printing. IOSR J Pharm Biol Sci 12:80–86.https://doi.org/10.9790/3008-1203068086
Malinauskas M, Rekštytė S, Lukoševičius L et al (2014) 3D microporous scaffolds manufactured via combination of fused filament fabrication and direct laser writing ablation. Micromachines 5:839–858.https://doi.org/10.3390/mi5040839
Bishop ES, Mostafa S, Pakvasa M et al (2017) 3-D bioprinting technologies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: current and future trends. Genes Dis 4:185–195.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2017.10.002
American Transplant Foundation (2018) 15 myths and concerns about living donation. Am. Transpl. Found.https://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Gain P, Jullienne R, He Z et al (2016) Global survey of corneal transplantation and eye banking. JAMA Ophthalmol 134:167–173.https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2015.4776
Isaacson A, Swioklo S, Connon CJ (2018) 3D bioprinting of a corneal stroma equivalent. Exp Eye Res 173:188–193.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2018.05.010
Saunders S (2017) Biomedical research team in Spain working on 3D printed corneas to make up for lack of donors.3DPrint.com.https://www.3dprint.com/184469/spain-3d-printed-cornea-project/. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Woodley M (2017) Kiwi scientists 3D print corneas from fish scales. Insight.http://www.insightnews.com.au/Article3/1330/Kiwi-scientists-3D-print-corneas-from-fish-scales. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Gibney R, Matthyssen S, Patterson J et al (2017) The human cornea as a model tissue for additive biomanufacturing: a review. Procedia CIRP 65:56–63.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2017.04.040
Biazar E, Najafi SM, Heidari KS et al (2018) 3D bio-printing technology for body tissues and organs regeneration. J Med Eng Technol 42:187–202.https://doi.org/10.1080/03091902.2018.1457094
Ludwig PE, Huff TJ, Zuniga JM (2018) The potential role of bioengineering and three-dimensional printing in curing global corneal blindness. J Tissue Eng 9:204173141876986.https://doi.org/10.1177/2041731418769863
Venugopal A, Rathi H, Rengappa R et al (2016) Outcomes after Auro Keratoprosthesis implantation: a low-cost design based on the Boston Keratoprosthesis. Cornea 35:1285–1288.https://doi.org/10.1097/ICO.0000000000000936
Bassnett S, Shi Y, Vrensen GFJM (2011) Biological glass: structural determinants of eye lens transparency. Philos Trans R Soc Lond Ser B Biol Sci 366:1250–1264.https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2010.0302
Hejtmancik JF, Shiels A (2015) Overview of the Lens. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci 134:119–127.https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.04.006
Donaldson PJ, Grey AC, Maceo Heilman B et al (2017) The physiological optics of the lens. Prog Retin Eye Res 56:e1–e24.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2016.09.002
Debellemanière G, Flores M, Montard M et al (2016) Three-dimensional printing of optical lenses and ophthalmic surgery: challenges and perspectives. J Refract Surg 32:201–204.https://doi.org/10.3928/1081597X-20160121-05
Canabrava S, Diniz-Filho A, Schor P, Fagundes DF, Lopes A, Batista WD (2015) Production of an intraocular device using 3D printing: an innovative technology for ophthalmology. Arq Bras Oftalmol 78:393–394
Choi SW, Kwon HJ, Song WK (2018) Three-dimensional printing using open source software and JPEG images from optical coherence tomography of an epiretinal membrane patient. Acta Ophthalmol 399–402.https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.13179
Maloca PM, Spaide RF, Rothenbuehler S et al (2017) Enhanced resolution and speckle-free three-dimensional printing of macular optical coherence tomography angiography. Acta Ophthalmol 1–3.https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.13567
Maloca PM, Tufail A, Hasler PW et al (2017) 3D printing of the choroidal vessels and tumours based on optical coherence tomography. Acta Ophthalmol 1–4.https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.13637
Lorber B, Hsiao WK, Martin KR (2016) Three-dimensional printing of the retina. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 27:262–267.https://doi.org/10.1097/ICU.0000000000000252
Ruiters S, Sun Y, De Jong S et al (2016) Computer-aided design and three-dimensional printing in the manufacturing of an ocular prosthesis. Br J Ophthalmol 100:879–881.https://doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2016-308399
Dave TV, Tiple S, Vempati S et al (2018) Low-cost three-dimensional printed orbital template-assisted patient-specific implants for the correction of spherical orbital implant migration. Indian J Ophthalmol 66:1600–1607.https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_472_18
Fan B, Chen H, Sun YJ et al (2017) Clinical effects of 3-D printing-assisted personalized reconstructive surgery for blowout orbital fractures. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 255:2051–2057.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-017-3766-y
Callahan AB, Campbell AA, Petris C, Kazim M (2017) Low-cost 3D printing orbital implant templates in secondary orbital reconstructions. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 33:376–380.https://doi.org/10.1097/IOP.0000000000000884
Furdová A, Sramka M, Thurzo A, Furdová A (2017) Early experiences of planning stereotactic radiosurgery using 3D printed models of eyes with uveal melanomas. Clin Ophthalmol 11:267–271.https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S123640
Bannon R, Parihar S, Skarparis Y et al (2018) 3D printing the pterygopalatine fossa: a negative space model of a complex structure. Surg Radiol Anat 40:185–191.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-017-1916-x
Adams JW, Paxton L, Dawes K et al (2015) 3D printed reproductions of orbital dissections: a novel mode of visualising anatomy for trainees in ophthalmology or optometry. Br J Ophthalmol 99:1162–1167.https://doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2014-306189
Scawn RL, Foster A, Lee BW et al (2015) Customised 3D printing: an innovative training tool for the next generation of orbital surgeons. Orbit 34:216–219.https://doi.org/10.3109/01676830.2015.1049367
Ayyildiz O (2018) Customised spectacles using 3-D printing technology. Clin Exp Optom 1–5.https://doi.org/10.1111/cxo.12795
Zhao F, Zhao G, Weijie F, Chen L (2018) Application of 3D printing technology in RGPCL simulation fitting. Med Hypotheses 113:74–76.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2018.02.028
Saunders S (2017) Johnson & Johnson announces new collaborations to develop biomedical innovation and advance 3D printing technology in healthcare.3DPrint.com.https://www.3dprint.com/178341/johnson-johnson-collaboration/. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Sun MG, Rojdamrongratana D, Rosenblatt MI et al (2018) 3D printing for low cost, rapid prototyping of eyelid crutches. Orbit 1–5.https://doi.org/10.1080/01676830.2018.1445760
Navajas EV, Ten Hove M (2017) Three-dimensional printing of a transconjunctival vitrectomy trocar-cannula system. Ophthalmologica 237:119–122.https://doi.org/10.1159/000457807
Hong SC (2015) 3D printing and ophthalmology for the community. J Cytol Histol 6:e116
Hong SC (2015) 3D printable retinal imaging adapter for smartphones could go global. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 253:1831–1833
Saunders S (2017) Teenager uses AI, a 3D printed Lens, and a smartphone to develop portable system to diagnose a common eye disease.3DPrint.com.https://3dprint.com/183144/portable-eye-diagnostic-system/. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Bleicher A (2017) Teenage whiz kid invents an ai system to diagnose her grandfather’s eye disease. IEEE Spectr.https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/diagnostics/teenage-whiz-kid-invents-an-ai-system-to-diagnose-her-grandfathers-eye-disease. Accessed 28 Feb 2019
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel
Adir C. Sommer & Eytan Z. Blumenthal
Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
Eytan Z. Blumenthal
- Adir C. Sommer
You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
- Eytan Z. Blumenthal
You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
Corresponding author
Correspondence toEytan Z. Blumenthal.
Ethics declarations
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Ethical approval
This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
Additional information
Publisher’s note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sommer, A.C., Blumenthal, E.Z. Implementations of 3D printing in ophthalmology.Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol257, 1815–1822 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-019-04312-3
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
Share this article
Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:
Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.
Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative