Evaluation of the color stability of two techniquesfor reproducing artificial irides after microwave polymerization

The use of ocular prostheses for ophthalmic patients aims to rebuild facial aesthetics and provide an artificial substitute to the visual organ. Natural intemperate conditions promote discoloration of artificial irides and many studies have attempted to produce irides with greater chromatic paint durability using different paint materials. OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated the color stability of artificial irides obtained with two techniques (oil painting and digital image) and submitted to microwave polymerization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty samples were fabricated simulating ocular prostheses. each sample was constituted by one disc of acrylic resin N1 and one disc of colorless acrylic resin with the iris interposed between the discs. The irides in brown and blue color were obtained by oil painting or digital image. The color stability was determined by a reflection spectrophotometer and measurements were taken before and after microwave polymerization. Statistical analysis of the techniques for reproducing artificial irides was performed by applying the normal data distribution test followed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α=.05). RESULTS: Chromatic alterations occurred in all specimens and statistically significant differences were observed between the oil-painted samples and those obtained by digital imaging. There was no statistical difference between the brown and blue colors. Independently of technique, all samples suffered color alterations after microwave polymerization. CONCLUSION: The digital imaging technique for reproducing irides presented better color stability after microwave polymerization

Gamut expanded halftone prints

We propose a framework for printing high chroma and bright colors which are beyond both the display sRGB and the classical cmyk print gamuts. These colors are printed with a combination of classical cmyk inks and the two additional daylight fluorescent magenta and yellow inks. The goal is to enhance image parts by printing them with high chroma and bright colors. We first select the image parts to be enhanced. We then apply to their colors a gamut expansion that increases both their chroma and their lightness towards the colors located at the boundary of the gamut formed by the combination of classical and fluorescent inks. This expansion can be controlled by user-defined parameters. We create smooth chroma transitions between the expanded and non-expanded image parts. We also preview the printable gamut expanded image generated according to user-defined gamut expansion parameters. The resulting prototype software enables artists to create and print their own designs