Additive manufacturing method of ocular epiprosthesis

Next Eye ocular epiprostheses on our offer are manufactured from biocompatible polymers, using the additive manufacturing method: 3D printing. As a result, our epiprostheses are much stronger than glass ones, they do not fade like acrylic ones and they do not turn yellow. We dedicate them to Patients who suffer from partial eyeball loss.

Ocular epiprostheses are made according to strictly specified medical indications, only to individual Patient’s order, on the basis of 3D orbital scan or provided impression and a photo of the anterior eye segment. They are placed before the orbital implant or the eviscerated eyeball.

Two years of epiprosthesis use

Next Eye epiprostheses are designed to last for 2 years. They are precisely manufactured: both in terms of technical parameters and aesthetic values. Additionally, ocular prostheses on our offer have a natural reflection and a diamond protective coating, which prevents deposition of secretions. The use of polymers in the manufacturing process makes the epiprosthesis durable and unbreakable. The result is a natural reflection of the eye, since wearing an epiprosthesis causes a mirror reflection of light.

At the Patients request, we store information that allows us to create the next epiprosthesis, so after 2 years it is not necessary to follow the same procedure. Using the same data, we can create a perfect copy of the epiprosthesis.

Competitively priced eye epiprosthesis

Lack of an eyeball is a discomfort for many Patients and they often cannot afford a traditional glass or acrylic epiprostheses despite reimbursement from the National Health Fund. Next Eye epiprostheses are groundbreaking in this aspect, as their price, despite the use of unique production technologies remains unchanged compared to other epiprostheses.

Cooperation with companies

Thanks to the 3D print potential, we started a new chapter in the area of ocular prosthetics and created an innovative, for many reasons also a more refined, product compared to previous ocular prostheses and epiprostheses. That is why, for the good of the Patients, we want to promote this product and make it available in many regions. We declare complete openness to cooperation with every specialist in eye prosthetics. To order a Next Eye prosthesis or an epiprosthesis, simply provide us with a scan or an impression of the orbit and an image of the iris of the Patient’s second eye.

Glass ocular prosthesis

Glass ocular prostheses are one of the standard solutions used after the eyeball loss. Their great advantage is that only one appointment in necessary to produce them, so the Patient quickly regains comfort and can easily return to daily functioning. Precise craftmanship of the glass ocular prosthesis guarantees such reproduction of a natural eyeball that a difference between them can hardly be spotted. Moreover, the material from which the prosthesis is made fully prevents allergic reactions.

A glass ocular prosthesis will improve Patient's well-being due to aesthetic and functional reasons: a well-placed prosthesis in the orbit prevents, inter alia, eyelid adhesion or drooping. Importantly, complete eyeball removal is not necessary: we can produce an ocular epiprosthesis resembling a husk, which is placed on, rather than instead of, the eyeball.

Glass ocular prosthesis for children

Adults can make a decision about using the prosthesis voluntarily: it is recommended however, the Patient decides about the fact themselves. The situation is different in case of Paediatric Patients who have lost their eye in an unfortunate accident or as a result of a serious disease or were born with an undeveloped eyeball (micro-aneurysm or aneurysm): a glass prosthesis for children is obligatory to secure proper and symmetrical development of the orbital shape in comparison to the other, healthy eye and the whole facial skeleton. The use of a glass prosthesis has a number of advantages: they moisten very well, they are tight, and, most importantly, secretions do not deposit on glass in great amount. Moreover, glass is biologically inert and its use entails a low risk of allergic reactions.

An alternative to the above-described prosthetic products are ocular prostheses produced with the use of 3D printing. This technology has opened many new possibilities in the field of ocular prosthetics.

Acrylic ocular prosthesis

After surgical removal of the eyeball, which is necessary after deep mechanical damage due to an accident, burn, aggressive untreatable eye disease or loss due to oncological diseases, a glass or acrylic ocular prosthesis must be inserted. The choice of a suitable prosthesis, also in terms of its material, should be consulted with a physician. The product has to be adjusted to a medical case as well as to the requirements and capabilities of a Patient.
Link back to 3D prostheses, e.g. there is a new type of 3D printed prosthesis available {the same as in a glass one]

Ocular prostheses - the perfect alternative to the eyeball

Modern medicine helps those who have completely lost an eyeball as a result of an accident or illness to overcome discomfort caused by their disability. This is possible due to modern 3D printed ocular prosthesis, precisely tailored to Patients’ expectations. When we talk about a modern ocular prosthesis, we mean a prosthesis that not only looks realistic, but is also durable and comfortable to wear; it is made of innovative biopolymers created individually for each Patient with the highest precision never achieved before. This is exactly what we offer to anyone who visits our Chorzów location, asking for help. Our ocularist meticulously selects prostheses according to Patients’ individual physiognomic and anatomic features, which guarantees the best results. Then he/she produces a Next Eye prostheses, which have numerous advantages.

Characteristics and advantages of Next Eye prostheses

The most important feature of Next Eye prostheses is high precision of workmanship, in terms of both technical and aesthetic qualities. Next Eye prostheses are made of biocompatible polymers coated with a diamond protective layer, which prevents deposition of secretions. This coating does not turn yellow or fade, which may happen in case of acrylic prostheses. Thanks to the polymers used, Next Eye prostheses are much more durable than glass ones. There is no risk that this prosthesis will break into small, sharp pieces. The products have a natural eye reflection, thanks to which the eyeball made by an ocularist looks genuine. Besides, we can use polymers to produce a partially or fully removable ocular prosthesis.

Next Eye prostheses and epiprostheses are produced, using the additive manufacturing method with 3D printing technology. Ocular prosthesis is selected based on digitally collected data: a 3D orbit scan and an iris photo of the other eye. As a result, the prosthesis perfectly imitates the orbit. Another notable aspect is very high comfort of using the product, as it reflects all the anatomical details of the orbit.

Production of another ocular prosthesis

The iris and pupil are photocopied, using a specially designed printing method, which results in a perfectly natural reproduction. All the materials used in the production process are certified, which means that they are safe for the body. In the future, the prosthesis can be made again, retaining all the features of the previous one, as the data is collected in a specially secured archive. We also have a database of ready-made prostheses.