Eye Shield DfAM

Original made by dorvog

Introduction

An eye shield is a device intended to protect the eye after trauma, e.g. from an injury or surgery. It is placed over the eye and taped down to secure it in place. Please watch this video for instructions on how to apply it.

This eye shield has been designed for additive manufacturing (DfAM) and it prints without supports so that the surface finish is optimal with minimal post processing. Further details on the design and recommended slicer settings below.

This is not a certified medical device, and it is intended for personal and educational use only. Please read the full disclaimer below and practice common sense. 

Design

There is a plethora of different designs for eye shields available for purchase and when creating this design I took inspiration from one of the most commonly available designs.

To allow for printing without generated supports, a small foot was added to the design. This allows the design to be placed directly on the print bed and the contact surfaces are printed with high resolution, i. e. no stair-stepping effect from layer lines. Since bed adhesion will vary between printers, print beds and filaments I've included three different sizes of contact surface. 

The holes have been made rhomboid instead of round as this eliminates overhangs and makes it easier to print.

If you prefer to use straps instead of tape, I've included a design with three connection points to where you can tie in an elastic band. Please refer to the included images for an example of how this is used.

Also included are .3mf files of the original design without the small foot and a .step file to make it easier for you if you want to make changes and further improve upon the design.

Print settings

I've tested printing it out of PLA and PETG, 0.2 mm layer heights and standard slicer settings, with good results. Tested on both a bedslinger (Prusa MK3s+) and a Core XY printer (Elegoo CC).

The contact surface with the bed is small so make sure you're on top with your bed adhesion. When I printed more than one at a time with PLA, I made sure to raise the bed temperature 5 - 10C to increase bed adhesion. If you're still having trouble, choose one of the models with a larger contact surface or print it with a brim.

Depending on your slicer, the seams will be generated in different locations which could be unappealing to you. Depending on your printer this may also affect print quality, e.g. when I sliced it with  printed it on the Prusa MK3, the edges with overhang became rough to the touch. If you experience similar problems, use paint-on seam functionality in your slicer and place the seam somewhere else.

Full disclaimer

This eye shield design is shared for personal and educational use only. Its not a certified medical device, and I cant guarantee that it will perform as intended or be safe for medical use.

The printed part is not sterile, and there is risk of contamination during printing and handling. If you plan to use it, make sure it is cleaned and handled carefully, and dont use it on open wounds or after surgery.

By downloading, printing and using this model, you agree that youre doing so at your own risk. Im not responsible for any injuries, infections, or other issues that might result from using it.

If youve had any kind of eye injury or you're experiencing discomfort after surgery, please see a medical professional this design is not a replacement for professional care or approved medical equipment.

References

• The printed head seen in images is Sizing Heads by creator Budwin.
• Video instructions for application: