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Contact Lens Spectrum

Article

Fast Forward to the Future: Personalized Contact Lenses in One Shot

For contact lens practitioners, 3-dimensional (3D) printing holds particular promise for the design and fabrication of next-generation contact lenses for the estimated 140 million wearers worldwide.

Xiaowu (Shirley) Tang
Contact Lens Spectrum September 1, 2025 Vol 40, Issue September 2025 Page(s): 28

Clinical Scorecard: Fast Forward to the Future: Personalized Contact Lenses in One Shot

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionContact Lens Wearers
Key Mechanisms3D printing technology for customized contact lenses and drug delivery systems.
Target PopulationApproximately 140 million contact lens wearers worldwide.
Care SettingOptometry and ophthalmology practices.

Key Highlights

  • 3D printing enables personalized contact lens design based on individual corneal topography.
  • Custom lenses can improve comfort for patients with irregular corneas.
  • Innovations include drug-eluting lenses that enhance ocular drug bioavailability.
  • Layer-by-layer printing allows for complex designs and functionalities.
  • Emerging solutions aim to improve surface smoothness of 3D-printed lenses.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Assess corneal topography for patients with irregular corneas.

Management

  • Consider custom 3D-printed lenses for patients unable to wear standard lenses.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Evaluate comfort and vision quality post-fitting of custom lenses.

Risks

  • Monitor for discomfort and light scattering due to rough surfaces.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with extensive ectasia, post-corneal grafting, or corneal scarring.

Custom lenses can be designed to meet specific visual and therapeutic needs.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Utilize 3D printing technology for rapid prototyping of contact lenses.
  • Incorporate drug delivery capabilities into lens design for enhanced therapy.
  • Stay updated on advancements in materials for improved lens comfort and performance.

References