A British man, Steve Varze, will receive the first 3D-printed prosthetic eye on Thursday at London's Moorfields Eye Hospital.

The eye is expected to be more realistic than a traditional acrylic prosthetic eye.

Varze, who is in his 40s, commented by saying, "I've needed a prosthetic since I was 20, and I've always felt self-conscious about it."

"This new eye looks fantastic and, being based on 3D digital printing technology, it's only going to be better and better," he added.

While the 3D-printed version will not restore his left eye's vision, he hopes it will restore some of his confidence.

According to the hospital, the 3D printed prosthetic aims to reduce the manufacturing process to 2-3 weeks, with the initial appointment taking just half an hour.