Contact Information: Media Contact: Amy Cook For Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. 925.552.7893 or 925.200.2125 Email Contact
Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. Demonstrates Leadership in Refractive Surgical Ophthalmic Market
Clinical Study Using the MEL 80(TM) Excimer Laser Shows 93 Percent of Patients Corrected to 20/20 or Better at Three Months
| Source: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
LAS VEGAS, NV -- (MARKET WIRE) -- November 10, 2006 -- AAO Booth #2820 -- Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
continues to offer advanced refractive laser technologies for the effective
and patient-friendly correction of vision defects worldwide. The company
will highlight these technologies including its Mel 80™ Excimer Laser
System, which recently received U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
clearance for vision correction eye surgery, here at the American Academy
of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting, November 11-14, 2006.
The FDA clinical trials for the MEL 80 show that 93 percent of patients
were corrected at three months to 20/20 or better visual acuity, and 41
percent were corrected to 20/12.5 or better at six months. Additionally, 85
percent of patients achieved within one-half of a diopter of the intended
correction at three months post-operative follow-up.
"We believe the excellent results from the FDA clinical studies further
improve the reputation of the MEL 80 as one of the leading refractive laser
systems worldwide," said Jim Taylor, president and chief executive officer
of Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. "Additionally, the company is pursuing the
development of an advanced femtosecond laser system, which complements the
advanced excimer laser platform offered by the MEL 80.
"It is our intent to provide not only the most advanced technologies, but
also to offer innovative systems solutions to best meet the needs of our
customers. The integrated approach of both the MEL 80 and the femtosecond
technologies will offer a truly unique and comprehensive solution."
Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. recently filed for 510(k) approval of its
femtosecond laser system, and anticipates clearance in the second half of
2007. The company's femtosecond laser is designed to provide smooth,
precise flap cutting capability for LASIK refractive surgery. This
technology, combined with the MEL 80 is expected to offer excellent
clinical outcomes with optimized work flow for refractive surgeons.
The MEL 80 Laser is designed to make correction of vision defects
exceptionally efficient. The technology uses a particularly small spot size
and Gaussian beam profile, thereby creating a corneal ablation which is
even and is protective of the surrounding tissue.
According to Mark Packer, M.D., FACS, a principle investigator of the
clinical trial and clinical associate professor at Oregon Health and
Science University in Portland, Ore., "The MEL 80 has superior
characteristics that make it extremely advanced, and because of its speed,
the amount of time the cornea is exposed is reduced. As a result, the
overall treatment procedure is significantly shortened, and the laser is
able to preserve the natural curvature of the cornea, ultimately improving
the quality of vision."
The MEL 80 Laser and femtosecond laser technologies will be demonstrated in
the Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. booth (2820) on Saturday, November 11 at 11:10
a.m.
About Carl Zeiss Meditec
Built on an unparalleled 160-year heritage of optical innovation, Carl
Zeiss Meditec AG (International Securities Identification Number
DE000531370) is one of the world's leading eye care solutions providers.
Its product line includes systems for the diagnosis and treatment of the
four main diseases of the eye: vision defects (refraction), cataracts,
glaucoma and retinal disorders. The company has incorporated its
technological expertise into a stream of product innovations throughout the
years, from slit lamps and fundus cameras; to the Humphrey® Field
Analyzer, recognized as the global standard for glaucoma detection and
management; to its newest applications of lasers as embodied in its
leading-edge MEL-80™ refractive laser, and innovative STRATUS OCT™
device as an aid for glaucoma detection and management. Since 2005, the
company has also been present in the market for intraocular lenses and
consumables, and now covers almost the entire value chain of ophthalmic
surgery. The company is looking to continue its profitable growth in the
future. The acquisition of Carl Zeiss Surgical further supplements the
product portfolio in ophthalmic surgery and opens up additional growth
prospects in neuro and ENT surgery. Carl Zeiss Surgical is the world's
leading provider of visualization solutions in the two named fields.
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG is based in Jena, Germany, with subsidiaries in
Pirmasens, Germany (Carl Zeiss Meditec Systems GmbH), the USA (Carl Zeiss
Meditec Inc.), Japan (Carl Zeiss Meditec Co., Ltd.), Spain (Carl Zeiss
Meditec Iberia S.A.) and France (IOLTECH S.A., Carl Zeiss Meditec SAS). The
rapidly aging global population and other trends are expected to grow the
ophthalmic market in the long term. The company is focused on applying
innovative optical technologies to protect and enhance vision now and into
the future.
Thirty-five percent of Carl Zeiss Meditec shares are in free float. The
remaining 65 percent are held by Carl Zeiss, one of the world's leading
international groups engaged in the optical and opto-electronics industry.
All Trademarks are the property of their respected owners.