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IRIDEX Granted U.S. Patent for Adjustable Laser Probe for Eye Surgery

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 29, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- IRIDEX Corporation (Nasdaq: IRIX) today announced the receipt of an Issue Notification from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for U.S. Patent No. 7,766,904, "Adjustable Laser Probe For Use In Vitreoretinal Surgery." This patent applies to a number of consumable medical devices already in the IRIDEX product line, collectively identified and sold as Adjustable and Intuitive EndoProbe(R) laser handpieces.

The Adjustable Laser Probe speeds up treatments by allowing continuous adjustment of the optical fiber over a wide range of angles for full coverage of the peripheral retina without requiring removal and reinsertion of the probe from the eye.

"We continue to focus on ways to increase the value of our consumable instrumentation line by offering novel and creative product solutions to our ophthalmic customers which in turn will help us grow our business," stated Theodore A. Boutacoff, President and CEO, "and to reconfirm our corporate position as a leader in our market."

"The issuance of this patent is valuable to IRIDEX because it helps us maintain the differentiation of our vitreoretinal product line from those of our competitors, and we plan to capitalize on the leverage afforded by this new patent by expanding this product line in the near future."

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 and delivery devices. We provide solutions for multiple specialties, including ophthalmology, dermatology and otolaryngology. 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 100 independent distributors into 107 countries. For further information, visit the Company's website at http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/SIG=10rthhtjs/**http%3A/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 the Company's ability to increase the value of its consumable products, grow its business, differentiate its products and increase its product offerings in the near future. 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 January 2, 2010 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2010. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date and will not be updated.

SOURCE IRIDEX Corporation