Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
New 5th Generation Laser Essential Part of iLASIK(TM) Technology SuiteSANTA ANA, Calif., May 14, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) (NYSE: EYE), a global leader
in ophthalmic surgical devices and eye care products, today announced
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the iFS(TM)
Advanced Femtosecond Laser.
Capable of creating a corneal flap during the LASIK procedure in
less than 10 seconds, the iFS(TM) Advanced Femtosecond Laser's unique
inverted bevel-in side cut angle is designed to provide a virtually
effortless flap lift, increase post-operative flap adhesion and
enhance the biomechanical stability of the post-LASIK cornea. With
full customization capabilities, it also produces an elliptical flap
to enhance surgical options and includes IntraLase-Enabled
Keratoplasty (IEK).
Additional features of the 5th generation IntraLase femtosecond
technology include:
-- Higher repetition rate
-- Tighter spot separation; lower energy
-- High-resolution digital video microscope
-- New contemporary user interface, keyboard and touch screen
-- Ergonomic design for maximum surgeon comfort
"The iFS(TM) laser builds upon an eight-year history of innovation
and more than two million IntraLase femtosecond procedures performed
worldwide," said AMO Chairman and CEO Jim Mazzo. "This technology is
an integral part of AMO's proprietary iLASIK(TM) technology suite and
a tangible example of our commitment to not only maintain a
substantial advantage over competing systems, but also to provide
technologies that advance the standard of vision care medically."
"The new iFS(TM) laser provides the surgeon with the ability to
select LASIK flap dimensions customizable to individual refractive
errors and corneal anatomy with capabilities such as the elliptical
flap option, inverted bevel-in side cut angle, and increased speed,"
said Perry S. Binder, MD of the Gordon Binder Weiss Vision Institute
in San Diego, California. "This exciting new laser, combined with the
iLASIK technology suite, provides the surgeon with the most advanced
technologies to give their patients the safest and best outcomes."
Dr. Binder observed clinical trials of the iFS(TM) Advanced
Femtosecond Laser and served as medical monitor for the technology
prior to its clearance by the FDA. Dr. Kerry Assil was medical
developer of custom oval flaps using the IntraLase FS(TM) Laser.
The iFS(TM) Advanced Femtosecond Laser is available now for order
and will be shipped to U.S. surgeons by the third quarter of 2008.
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 line include monofocal intraocular lenses
(IOLs), phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics, and related
products used in ocular surgery. AMO owns or has the rights to such
product brands as Tecnis(R), Clariflex(R) and Sensar(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
refractive line include wavefront diagnostic devices, femtosecond
lasers and associated patient interface devices; excimer laser vision
correction systems and treatment cards, and refractive implants. AMO
brands in the refractive business include iDesign(TM), iFS(TM), Star
S4 IR(R), WaveScan Wavefront(R), Advanced CustomVue(TM), IntraLase(R),
IntraLasik(R) and ReZoom(R), Tecnis(R) Multifocal and Verisyse(R)
IOLs. Products in the eye care line include disinfecting solutions,
enzymatic cleaners, lens rewetting drops and artificial tears. 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 4,000 worldwide. The company has operations in
24 countries and markets products in approximately 60 countries. For
more information, visit the company's Website at www.amo-inc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about AMO,
including statements by Mr. Mazzo and Dr. Binder and statements
relating to AMO's competitive advantage, expected product performance,
trends and outcomes, as well as expected shipment dates. All
forward-looking statements in this press release 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.
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 2007 Form 10-K filed in March 2008.
Copies of press releases and additional information about AMO are
available at www.amo-inc.com.