3D-printed contact lenses: new approaches to improve wearing comfort

Additive manufacturing is increasingly being used in medical technology. One promising area of application is the production of customized contact lenses with integrated drug release. MediPrint Ophthalmics, a company specializing in 3D-printed contact lenses, is currently developing a technology for the continuous release of hyaluronic acid in contact lenses to increase comfort and reduce discomfort such as dryness.

Each year, up to 20 percent of contact lens wearers discontinue their use, with about half citing discomfort as the primary reason. The development of new materials and manufacturing techniques is therefore a crucial factor in improving user acceptance. MediPrint employs a 3D printing technology that allows pharmaceutical agents to be directly integrated into the lens structure. In a clinical study (LL-BMT1), the company demonstrated that wearers of these lenses reported a 38 percent improvement in comfort ratings and a 40 percent reduction in dry eye symptoms, as measured by the CLDEQ-8 questionnaire.

The advantage of this method lies in the consistent release of the active ingredient throughout the entire wearing period. While traditional eye drops provide only temporary relief, the continuous delivery of hyaluronic acid ensures prolonged hydration of the ocular surface. The company plans to develop this technology for both daily and weekly contact lenses.

“Our clinical study results reinforce the potential of our technology to not only address medical conditions like glaucoma but also fundamentally improve the comfort of contact lenses for millions of wearers,” said Praful Doshi, Founder and CEO of MediPrint Ophthalmics. “By expanding into the broader contact lens market, we aim to recapture the significant portion of patients who have abandoned lenses due to discomfort.”

In parallel, MediPrint is conducting clinical studies on the controlled release of medications for eye diseases such as glaucoma. The ability to deliver therapeutic agents directly through contact lenses could, in the long term, provide an alternative to conventional treatment with eye drops.

“As we move forward, our mission remains clear—to improve vision care by integrating convenience, comfort, and therapeutic benefits into a single platform,” said Doshi. “We are excited to bring a much-needed solution to the millions of people who struggle with contact lens discomfort.”