"I've needed a prosthetic since I was 20, and I've always felt self-conscious about it," said Mr Verze, who is in his 40s. "T

Hackney man first to receive 3D-printed prosthetic eye

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2021-11-25 21:30:05

"I've needed a prosthetic since I was 20, and I've always felt self-conscious about it," said Mr Verze, who is in his 40s.

"This new eye looks fantastic and, being based on 3D digital printing technology, it's only going to be better and better."

For a traditional prosthetic a patient has to undergo a two-hour session to mould their eye socket, before the prosthesis is fitted and then painted.

The 3D printed prosthetic should reduce the manufacturing process to two to three weeks, with the initial appointment taking just half an hour, according to the hospital.

Professor Mandeep Sagoo, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, said the staff were "excited" at the potential of a fully digital prosthetic eye.

"We hope the forthcoming clinical trial will provide us with robust evidence about the value of this new technology, showing what a difference it makes for patients.