The 3D additive layer manufacturing refers to a modern fabrication process which makes the use of a wide range of materials like a digital file to create 3 dimensional objects. These objects are often made in 2 dimensional layers with a thickness of up to 0.05 mm (Chee, K.C et al, 2003).
The use of this technology has become so popular in the medical arena where it is used during surgical operations and tissue engineering. For instance, it is used to make the laser machines mainly used during eye surgery. This is due to the fact that it is more flexible and cheaper to the users (Easton, T.A., and November, 2008).
However, its use should be limited because when used for optical operations, it may cause lot problems to the patients (Wright, P.K., 2001). For example, if not done carefully, it can cause harmful side effects like painful dry eyes, double vision, starbursts of light and occasional loss of vision. This means that a person recapitulating from this exercise may fail to see properly even if they are using eye glasses or contact lenses.
Hence, we should be wary when using this technology in offering an ultimate medical remedy to the people. First, laser should only be used to treat moderate vision problem, not a severe case as has been before. Besides, the optician should recommend the use of monovision technique in which each of the eyes is tamed for near or further vision (Joshua, M. P. et al., 2010).
Finally, the laser surgery should not be used by those who intend to frequently change glasses or are suffering from other medical conditions (Damia, T. P. & S. S. Dimov, 2001). This can be so risky for them because it can interfere with the healing process. Therefore, this technology should be used cautiously not to harm the targeted beneficiaries.
Work cited
Chee, K.C et al (2003). Rapid Prototyping. World Scientific. p. 124.
Damia, T. P. & S. S. Dimov(2001) Rapid manufacturing. Springer-Verlag
Easton, T.A. (November, 2008). The 3D Trainwreck: How 3D Printing Will Shake Up Manufacturing. 128 (11): 50–63.
Joshua, M. P. et al.(2010)3-D Printing of Open Source Appropriate Technologies for Self-Directed Sustainable Development (Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol.3, No. 4
Wright, P.K.(2001) 21st Century Manufacturing. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc.
