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Ziemer introduces compact, mobile femtosecond laser
Product introductions, business unit consolidations and positive business news was the buzz at AAO.
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CHICAGO – Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG debuted the Da Vinci, a compact, mobile femtosecond laser, here at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
Because the device has a handheld laser head, the Da Vinci obviates the need to move the patient after the creation of the femtosecond laser flap and before laser ablation surgery, according to a press release from Ziemer. The handpiece achieves fixation through a vacuum suction ring.
SIE Surgical Instruments Systems AG engineered the Da Vinci, according to the press release.
IntraLase announces global market penetration
More than 500,000 blade-free LASIK vision correction procedures have been performed since regulatory approval of the IntraLase, according to a company spokesman.
During a breakfast meeting before the American Academy of Ophthalmology conference, Robert Palmisano, president and chief executive officer of IntraLase, said the company attributes the milestone “to the technology of the IntraLase femtosecond laser,” which has been on the market for 4 years.
“Our theme is better medicine, better business,” Mr. Palmisano said.
There has been a 75% increase in LASIK procedures using the IntraLase method in the past year, and an overall shift toward blade-free LASIK as a procedure of choice, he said.
Nidek consolidates U.S. operations
Nidek Co. Ltd. announced here in a press release that it is combining Nidek Technologies America with Nidek Inc.
The company, based in Gamagori, Japan, announced in a press release distributed at the American Academy of Ophthalmology that it will merge and consolidate all business activities in the U.S. market between its two wholly owned subsidiaries effective April 1, 2006.
“This is an exciting time for Nidek’s business operations in the U.S., as we continue our strong focus on harnessing business and product distribution synergies in the U.S.,” Hideo Ozawa, company founder and president, stated in the press release.
Redesigned phaco system increases cutting power
A redesigned version of the Advanced Medical Optics’ WhiteStar system was launched at this year’s AAO meeting, the company said in a press release.
Using ultrasonic energy, AMO’s WhiteStar Ice technology for its Sovereign phacoemulsification system is redesigned to allow surgeons to increase cutting power without increasing energy, the company said.
“The use of fluidics to complement ultrasound cataract extraction marks a paradigm shift that could allow surgeons to develop better techniques to improve patient outcomes,” stated Paul Rockley, AMO vice president for worldwide marketing of cataract equipment, in the release.
Alcon develops first AREDS-based MultiVitamin
Alcon introduced an Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)-based MultiVitamin containing all the essential ingredients patients needed for both eye and body nutrition.
According to information provided by the company, the AREDS formula matches the dosage of vitamins and minerals that have been clinically proven in the AREDS by the National Eye Institute.