MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IRIDEX Corporation (NASDAQ: IRIX) today announced the use of MicroPulse™ Laser Therapy (MPLT), using the IQ 577 laser coupled with EndoProbe® instrumentation, that was successfully performed by Sam Mansour, MD, Medical Director of the Virginia Retina Center and Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. This is the first time tissue-sparing laser therapy has been delivered through an intraocular fiber-optic probe in a surgical setting.
Dr. Mansour explains, "Endo-MicroPulse laser surgery is a much more direct and controlled method than slit lamp delivery, which gives me the flexibility to treat my most difficult cases without compromising the retinal tissue."
The groundbreaking surgery was performed with the IQ 577 laser – the first visible wavelength laser to offer MicroPulse technology. "Endo-MicroPulse is effective in cases of very thin retinas due to its ability to preserve tissue rather than destroy it with conventional laser therapy," commented Dr. Mansour.
Dominik Beck, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of IRIDEX, said, "Expanding MPLT applications from physicians' offices into the operating room and surgery centers will continue to drive growth in our laser systems as well as open up opportunities to expand the breadth of our consumables portfolio. IRIDEX continues to be committed to the development and commercialization of new treatments for sight-threatening diseases."
About MicroPulse Technology
MicroPulse is a tissue-sparing laser therapy that works by electronically "chopping" a continuous-wave laser emission into trains of microsecond pulses. This enhances the physician's ability to more precisely control the laser effects on target tissues, offering treatment with less collateral effects than conventional, continuous-wave laser photocoagulation.
About IRIDEX
IRIDEX Corporation was founded in 1989 and is a worldwide leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and versatile laser-based medical systems, delivery devices and consumable instrumentation for the ophthalmology and otolaryngology market. We maintain a deep commitment to the success of our customers, with comprehensive technical, clinical, and service support programs. IRIDEX is dedicated to a standard of excellence, offering superior technology for superior results. IRIDEX products are sold in the United States through a direct sales force and internationally through a combination of a direct sales force and a network of approximately 70 independent distributors into over 100 countries. For further information, visit the Company's website at http://www.iridex.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, relating to MicroPulse laser therapy and its impact and effectiveness on the treatment of retinal diseases and resulting growth in our operations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. Please see a detailed description of these and other risks contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012, each of which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date and will not be updated.
SOURCE IRIDEX Corporation
Jim Mackaness, Chief Financial Officer +1-650-940-4700, Investor Relations , Matt Clawson, Allen & Caron, +1-949-474-4300, matt@allencaron.com
