Patient-specific 3D-printed contact lenses in just 20 minutes

A breakthrough combination of new silicone materials and advanced 3D printing technology developed by University of Waterloo researchers could transform how contact lenses are manufactured.

The award-winning innovation can produce patient-specific contact lenses in as little as 20 minutes, paving the way for specialized lenses to be designed, manufactured and dispensed during a single visit to the optometrist.

Most contact lenses are manufactured in a limited range of sizes and shapes rather than being custom-made for each person’s eye. While soft lenses are suitable for many wearers, patients with irregularly shaped corneas often require rigid lenses to achieve clear vision. Finding the right fit can require several appointments over weeks or months before patients receive lenses that fit properly and provide the function they need.

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