KGMU’s Breakthrough: 3D Printing and AI to Revolutionize Prosthetic Eye Implants

Lucknow : In a landmark achievement for affordable healthcare, researchers at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) have developed a specialized 3D-printed PLA (Polylactic Acid) implant that offers a new lease of life to patients, especially children, suffering from vision loss due to eye removal.

The research focuses on children affected by Retinoblastoma (eye cancer), where the eye often has to be surgically removed. Traditionally, conventional implants are expensive and may not fit perfectly, leading to cosmetic issues. However, this new study shows that customized 3D-printed implants are not only safer and more effective but also incredibly cost-efficient, with production costs estimated at less than ₹10.

The project was spearheaded by Dr. Shivani Suresh, an M.S. student in the Department of Ophthalmology, under the mentorship of Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Gupta. The team utilized AI and 3D printing to create implants that match the patient’s unique socket structure, ensuring:

• Better Fitting: Customized shapes reduce the risk of complications.
• Aesthetic Restoration: Addresses the cosmetic challenges of a missing eyeball.
• Unmatched Affordability: Makes high-end ocular prosthetics accessible to the rural and underprivileged population.

The research was supported by co-guides Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma, Prof. Siddharth Agarwal, and Dr. Vishal Katiyar, under the leadership of HOD Prof. Apjit Kaur. This innovation positions Lucknow as a pioneer in integrating "Made in India" technology with advanced surgical care.