SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 17, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Dr. Richard H. Keates, Chairman of Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:ARFRE) today commented on the potential of Advanced Refractive's Accupulse cataract emulsifier.
"I am excited about this latest generation of cataract removal devices because it has great potential in this very large market due to the novel combination of waterjet and ultrasound technologies. The speed and versatility of the Accupulse will help to expand the market for contemporary cataract surgery in less developed countries where older techniques are currently being used."
Dr. Keates is the former Chairman and Leopold Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California-Irvine and is currently Professor of Ophthalmology, New York Medical College at The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary.
Dr. Keates further stated, "The cataract market is so large worldwide, about 18 million surgeries forecasted for 2007, that the Accupulse will become Advanced Refractive's first blockbuster product. The features of this product should greatly ease its acceptance in the marketplace worldwide."
Randy Bailey, President and CEO of Advanced Refractive stated, "The previously announced animal studies for Accupulse will mean that the 510k FDA filing can be completed in the fourth quarter 2006 with approval and initial sales occurring during the first quarter 2007."
Advanced Refractive Technologies, Inc. is an ophthalmology development company focused on the development and marketing of innovative ophthalmic applications that will result in faster, safer and more effective procedures in two of the largest surgical markets in the world: corrective refractive surgery and cataract surgery, as well as innovative drugs for glaucoma and age related macula degeneration. Advanced Refractive Technologies is currently in the process of developing their Accupulse, a next generation cataract emulsifier, which utilizes the company's proprietary waterjet technology. The Accupulse cataract emulsifier, currently under development, is a device that uses pulsed waterjet technology to remove cataracts -- the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the world. For more information on Advanced Refractive Technologies, please visit its website at www.advancedrefractive.com.
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