Tomographic ultrasound imaging of the anophthalmic socket for future 3D printing of ocular prostheses

Purpose: There is a need for a simple, non-invasive, and easily accessible 3D imaging technique for the anophthalmic socket to create imaging data for future 3D printing of prostheses. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a novel handheld tomographic ultrasound for 3D mapping of the anophthalmic socket. Methods: Ten anophthalmic sockets were scanned using a tomographic ultrasound system and the results were compared to CT scanned impression molds from the same sockets. Results: The tomographic ultrasound provided detailed 3D maps of the anophthalmic sockets. The mean difference between the ultrasound-mapped socket and the CT-scanned imprints was within clinically acceptable limits for most patients. Specifically, the minimum separation distance was less than 3 mm in most cases. In three patients, larger deviations were noted as a result of uneven socket surfaces, indicating the need for further refinement in these cases. Conclusions: Tomographic ultrasound shows promise for 3D imaging of the posterior surface of the anophthalmic socket and may, in the future, support 3D printing of prostheses. However, further refinement is needed to make the technique clinically applicable.