Scientists at Newcastle University in the UK have successfully 3D-printed the first human corneas.

Experimental Eye Research reports the team mixed stem cells from a healthy donor cornea with alginate and collagen to create a “bio-ink”.

Using a simple low-cost 3D bio-printer, the bio-ink was extruded in concentric circles to form the shape of a human cornea — in less than 10 minutes.

The stem cells were then shown to grow. And the team also showed how the corneas could be grown to match a patient’s unique specifications by scanning their eye first to determine the correct size and shape for the printed tissue.