Manufacturing personalised contact lenses using 3D printing

A new study published in Materials Design has described the creation of patient-specific contact lenses using 3D printing.

The hard lenses are designed using corneal topography–derived thickness maps and have a fabrication time of around 20 minutes per lens.

Dr Shirley Tang, a chemistry professor at the University of Waterloo, highlighted that the findings represent progress towards contact lenses that are “truly personalised.”

“Our technology produces lenses with patient-specific surfaces for a precise fit while delivering the optical clarity and mechanical performance expected of commercial contact lenses,” she said.

The lenses are made from a new hydrophilic silicone formulation that is compatible with 3D printing while also maintaining properties necessary for the manufacture of contact lenses.

Dr Sayan Ganguly, a research associate at the University of Waterloo, noted that the software designs a lens with an inner surface that precisely matches the patient’s cornea.

“The novel hydrophilic silicone material we created, combined with our manufacturing process, produces smooth, transparent lenses that are comfortable to wear,” he said.

The technology received a Gold Medal at the Shanghai International Exhibition of Inventions in June 2026.