www.3ders.org

Dec 13, 2017 | By David

3D printing is having a significant impact on the way lenses are produced, with companies like Luxexcel using the technology to build personalized designs more easily. The emerging VR/AR technology sector is one that is taking advantage of this, as are opthalmics and other professions dealing with eye treatment. The latest breakthrough in the field could see a huge improvement in the quality of life of people suffering from photosensitive epilepsy. Logan Williams from New Zealand’s University of Canterbury has used 3D printing technology to create special polarized lenses that can prevent the worst effects of the condition.

Photosensitive epilepsy can cause people to have seizures when exposed to flashing light. UC Applied Psychology student Logan Williams was aware of the condition as one of his close friends was a sufferer, and he was frustrated at the lack of practical, everyday treatment available for it. This inspired him to develop Polar Optics, his pioneering 3D printed lens technology.

“I was inspired to develop Polar Optics by one of my close friends who suffers from photosensitive epilepsy. The only treatment that gives sufferers some form of protection against the threat of a fit is medication, which can restrict diet, lifestyle and have other adverse potential side effects,” says the 22 year-old Kiwi.

“Polar Optics mitigates environmental threats, enabling sufferers to go about their daily lives without fear of a seizure. It has the potential to really make a difference to people all over the world with photosensitive epilepsy, and will also help anyone who suffers from headaches and migraines from bright light.”

The lenses work by refracting the light that enters the wearer’s field of vision. The refraction dampens the intensity of the light, which departmentalizes the light wave, meaning it has a much weaker effect on the entire neurological system. This buys the wearer a vital few seconds to close their eyes or move away from the threatening light source, which can be something intense like strobe lights or often just a row of trees or buildings that causes a flashing light pattern when moving past it.

William is now looking to develop his project into a commercially viable business, whilst still keeping the lenses affordable for epilepsy sufferers. He is currently working with a manufacturer in Europe to develop a prototype. This is not the first time that one of his inventions has advanced to the commercial stage. He has already had success with Biome, a company which manufactures biodegradable products such as plastic and fabrics from the invasive algae didymo, a pest that is a serious problem in New Zealand.

That initial project won first place and a National Merit Award at the Eureka Science and Innovation Competition and was a finalist at the New Zealand Top Student Award 2017. Williams also received first Place and the People’s Choice award through the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship Summer Startup Program, and a UC Innovators’ Summer Startup Scholarship through the UC Centre of Entrepreneurship to develop his company. He has now secured another Eureka grant for his Polar Optics project, through the Ministry of Health.

According to UC Centre for Entrepreneurship Incubator Manager Michelle Panzer, “What gives Logan’s ventures real potential is the fact that they solve very real problems,” says Ms Panzer. The UCE Summer Startup Programme provides students with an opportunity to focus their full attention on a business or social venture, with the support of a $5,000 scholarship. The 10-week programme is structured in a way that students are equipped with the necessary skillset to start, grow and develop their venture into a viable business or social enterprise.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

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