Carl Zeiss Meditec And IMRA America Cooperate In New Technology For Laser Vision Correction

Ann Arbor, MI / Jena, Germany — Prior to the annual ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery) meeting, which began in San Diego, CA on April 27, German Medical Company, Carl Zeiss Meditec (CZM, Jena, Germany, Chairman and CEO: Ulrich Kraus) announced plans to launch the newly developed VisuMax™ system for laser keratome applications in the second half of 2007. The VisuMax uses a femtosecond fiber laser developed by IMRA America, Inc. (IMRA, Ann Arbor, Michigan, President: Takashi Omitsu). IMRA America, Inc. is a U.S. Research and Development company owned by Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Kariya City, Japan, President: Yasuhito Yamauchi).

LASIK (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis) is the most common procedure for surgical vision correction. The procedure consists of two main surgical steps, the initial cut of a corneal lamella, the so-called flap, and the subsequent excimer laser ablation, the actual correction of the refractive error. The global installed base of excimer lasers is estimated at more than 5,000 units.

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to market the laser keratome applications of its VisuMax femtosecond laser system at the end of last year.

The VisuMax system from Carl Zeiss Meditec uses the IMRA femtosecond fiber laser technology, called FCPA Jewel™. According to Dr. Martin Wiechmann, Director of R&D at Carl Zeiss Meditec, "The VisuMax system is designed to offer greater reliability and accuracy for both patients and surgeons due to its accurate optical system and highly controlled fiber laser inside."

"We are very pleased with Carl Zeiss Meditec's vote of confidence in IMRA and take this trust seriously," stated Takashi Omitsu, President of IMRA. "With the backing of our parent company, Aisin, and with our proven track record of providing high quality lasers based upon our patented and proprietary technologies, we feel ready to meet the challenges and help CZM meet their goals in this exciting market area."

Both companies have spent several years working together to develop this product. The VisuMax system, which incorporates IMRA's advanced femtosecond fiber laser technology and Carl Zeiss' world-renowned optics technology, should expand the laser vision correction market due to increased procedure safety and the trusted Carl Zeiss brand.

SOURCE: IMRA America, Inc. & Carl Zeiss Meditec