PRNewswire
The iLASIK(TM) Procedure Debuts with Leading Technologies Creating the First
100 Percent Tailor-Made Vision Correction Procedure
SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When it comes to
achieving 20/20 vision, no two eyes are alike -- and, as such neither should
be your vision correction. Launching nationwide, the iLASIK(TM) procedure is
the very first vision correction procedure designed to be 100 percent custom-
fit from beginning to end. The iLASIK(TM) procedure addresses the uniqueness
of your two eyes -- from the individual curvature of your corneas, to the
microscopic nuances of your eye's anatomy -- designed to deliver the exact
correction you need to achieve 20/20 or better vision.
"The iLASIK(TM) procedure has been a decade in the making, with each new
advancement furthering the next," said Dr. Kerry Solomon, professor of
ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and an
iLASIK(TM) patient. "With this unveiling, we've reached the final frontier.
Quite honestly, there is nothing better on the horizon. "The iLASIK(TM)
procedure eliminates confusion for patients seeking the very best in laser
vision correction surgery."
The iLASIK(TM) brand combines today's leading technologies into one
premium procedure. Prior to the iLASIK(TM) procedure, the burden was on the
patient to research the best LASIK technologies, compare and contrast the
clinical data of the various advancements, and then identify a physician who
offered the particular combination of technologies the patient preferred. That
is, if they could follow the chain of brands and combination of brands so
prevalent in LASIK marketing.
"The iLASIK(TM) brand removes the veil of confusion in LASIK advertising,"
said Ron Bache, global vice president of marketing for AMO's refractive group.
"Patients now can find all of the most advanced laser vision correction
technologies available today under the banner of one premium procedure."
Custom-Fitting The iLASIK(TM) Procedure
Just like the tailoring of a fine suit or couture fashion, the iLASIK(TM)
procedure is 100 percent tailor-made for the patient, their vision and the
unique characteristics of their eyes. Three-dimensional mapping, precise
measurement and the use of beginning-to-end, state-of-the-art technologies
differentiate the iLASIK(TM) procedure from all others. The iLASIK(TM)
procedure also provides better visual outcomes and superior safety through
reduced flap complications. The iLASIK(TM) procedure is performed in three
steps:
-- Step One: iLASIK(TM) surgeons now have the most precise tools to
measure and map the uniqueness of your two eyes -- down to the most
microscopic characteristics individual to you. Three-dimensional
mapping -- known as a WaveScan(TM) map -- creates a blueprint (or
fingerprint) of your eye, allowing the iLASIK(TM) surgeon to custom-fit
the iLASIK(TM) procedure for each of your eyes.
-- Step Two: Two lasers are used in the iLASIK(TM) procedure. The first,
ultra-fast laser creates a thin corneal flap, which is then folded back
to allow the second laser to correct your vision based on the exact
specification/measurements of your eye(s). The procedure takes just
minutes. Patients experience a quick, virtually painless procedure with
potential for 20/20 or better vision and unparalleled safety through
reduced flap complications.
-- Step Three: Final post-op visits are conducted and then you are free to
resume your active lifestyle, with the potential of 20/20 or better
vision.
Simply The Best: iLASIK(TM) Demonstrates Clinical Superiority From Start
To Finish
More than a decade since FDA approval, LASIK remains not only the most
common, but also the most clinically-studied elective surgical procedure to
date. It was this very same clinical research that revealed the combination of
technologies -- femtosecond and wavefront guided lasers, iris registration and
3-D mapping -- provided superior safety and better visual outcomes for
patients than all previous LASIK techniques through reduced flap
complications.
Clinical trials have shown more patients achieve 20/20 or better vision
when two lasers are used, as in the iLASIK(TM) procedure, instead of the
single-laser platform of previous LASIK techniques. Clinical studies using one
of the components in the iLASIK(TM) procedure show that one year after
iLASIK(TM) treatment*:
-- More than 95 percent of all clinical study participants could pass a
driving test without glasses or contact lenses.
-- Almost three-quarters of all participants could see 20/20 or better
without glasses or contact lenses.
-- Four times as many mild-to-moderately nearsighted participants were
very satisfied with their night vision after treatment compared to
their night vision before treatment with glasses or contacts.
-- 98 percent of mild-to-moderately nearsighted patients could see 20/20
or better one year after treatment; 100 percent of mild-to-moderately
nearsighted patients and more than 95 percent of patients with mixed
astigmatism could pass a driving test without glasses or contact
lenses.
The iLASIK(TM) procedure comprises the Advanced CustomVue(TM) excimer
laser vision correction procedure using VISX(TM) Technology, corneal flap
creation with the IntraLase(TM) FS (femtosecond) laser, and WaveScan(TM)
mapping and guidance all from AMO.
About Advanced Medical Optics (AMO)
AMO is focused on providing the full range of advanced refractive
technologies and support to help eye care professionals deliver optimal vision
and lifestyle experiences to patients of all ages. Products in the
cataract/implant line include intraocular lenses (IOLs), phacoemulsification
systems, viscoelastics, and related products used in ocular surgery. AMO owns
or has the rights to such product brands as ReZoom(R), Tecnis(R),
Clariflex(R), Sensar(R), and Verisyse(R) IOLs, Sovereign(R), Sovereign(R)
Compact and WhiteStar Signature(TM) phacoemulsification systems with
WhiteStar(R) technology, Healon(R) viscoelastics, and the Baerveldt(R)
glaucoma shunt. Products in the laser vision correction line include wavefront
diagnostic devices, femtosecond lasers and associated patient interface
devices, and excimer laser vision correction systems and treatment cards. AMO
brands in the laser vision correction business include Star S4 IR(R), WaveScan
Wavefront(R), Advanced CustomVue(TM), IntraLase(R) and IntraLasik(R). Products
in the contact lens care line include disinfecting solutions, enzymatic
cleaners and lens rewetting drops. Among the eye care product brands the
company possesses are COMPLETE(R), COMPLETE(R) Blink-N-Clean(R), Consept(R)F,
Consept(R) 1 Step, Oxysept(R) 1 Step, UltraCare(R), Ultrazyme(R), Total
Care(TM) and blink(TM) branded products. AMO is based in Santa Ana,
California, and employs approximately 4,200 worldwide. The company has
operations in 24 countries and markets products in approximately 60 countries.
For more information, visit the company's Website at http://www.amo-inc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about AMO,
including statements by Dr. Solomon and Mr. Bache and statements relating to
expected product performance, trends and outcomes. All forward-looking
statements in this press release are based on estimates and assumptions and
represent AMO's judgment only as of the date of this press release. Actual
results may differ from current expectations based on a number of factors
including but not limited to market developments, clinical experience,
variations in surgeon experience, and unexpected regulatory, quality or supply
issues. Therefore, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-
looking statements. AMO disclaims any intent or obligation to update these
forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other
risk factors may be found in previous press releases issued by AMO and AMO's
public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including
the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors" in AMO's 2006 Form 10-K filed
in March 2007 and third quarter Form 10-Q. Copies of press releases and
additional information about AMO are available at http://www.amo-inc.com.
AMO, the AMO logo, iLASIK and the iLASIK logo are trademarks of Advanced
Medical Optics, Inc. IntraLase is a trademark of AMO Development, LLC. VISX,
Advanced CustomVue, CustomVue and WaveScan are trademarks of AMO Manufacturing
USA, LLC.
*Data on file. AMO Manufacturing USA, LLC. Advanced CustomVue Procedure
Clinical Trials; 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007.