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. 2023 Sep;43(9):3321-3328.
doi: 10.1007/s10792-023-02736-9. Epub 2023 May 23.

Quality assessment of polymer materials for human model eye development

Geoffrey Nguyen  1 , Tara H Balasubramanian  1 , Dhruv M Shah  1 , Abel S Odolil  2 , Jamie Palmer  1 , Moran R Levin  2 , Ramya Swamy  2 , Janet Leath Alexander  3
Affiliations

Quality assessment of polymer materials for human model eye development

Geoffrey Nguyen et al. Int Ophthalmol. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: We developed model eyes using six polymer materials to determine which materials were most appropriate in simulating real human sclera and extraocular muscle (EOM).

Methods: Five three-dimensional (3-D) printed polymers (FlexFill, PolyFlex, PCTPE, Soft PLA, and NinjaFlex) and one silicone material were systematically tested by board-certified ophthalmologists and senior ophthalmology residents. Material testing included scleral passes with 6-0 Vicryl sutures through each eye model. Participants completed a survey designed to collect demographic data, subjective assessment of each material's accuracy in simulating real human sclera and EOM, and a ranking for each polymer material to identify which would be most suitable for an ophthalmic surgery training tool. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of ranks between the polymer materials.

Results: The distribution of ranks for silicone material's "sclera" and "EOM" components were statistically significantly higher than that of all other polymer materials (all p < 0.05). Silicone material received the highest rank for both "sclera" and "EOM" components. Survey results indicated that the silicone material effectively simulated real human tissue.

Conclusion: Silicone model eyes performed better than 3-D printed polymers as an educational tool for incorporation into a microsurgical training curriculum. Silicone models provide a low-cost teaching tool that allows for independent practice of microsurgical techniques without requiring a wet-laboratory facility.

Keywords: Model eye; Ophthalmology surgical education; Ophthalmology training; Surgical curriculum; Surgical skills; Three-dimensional.

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