Autonomous approved by the FDA to conduct LASIK Hyperopic Astigmatism trials.

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--June 22, 1998--Autonomous Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq NM: ATCI) announced today that permission for its application to conduct LASIK Hyperopic Astigmatism trials for up to +6 Diopters of Sphere and up to -6 Diopters of Cylinder has been granted by the FDA. The investigation is scheduled to begin immediately and will include up to 150 subjects and is subject to certain conditions required by the FDA.

Laser in-situ keratomileusis or "LASIK" is a technique which involves both a corneal cut and excimer laser ablation. During the procedure, the ophthalmologist cuts a thin flap on the cornea before using the laser. After the laser ablation is completed, the flap is replaced. LASIK typically offers patients less pain and shorter recovery times after surgery.

"LASIK has become the preferred method of performing refractive surgery in the U.S. and may offer significant benefits to hyperopic patients. Based on our preliminary LASIK experience, theLADARVision system tracker performance met the challenge of tracking under a corneal flap," commented Randy Frey, Chairman and CEO.

In general, hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a condition where a patient has difficulty seeing objects that are near, and myopia, or nearsightedness, results in difficulty seeing objects at a distance. Astigmatism is a condition which causes blurred vision for both near and far objects.

Autonomous Technologies is engaged in the design and development of next-generation excimer laser instruments for laser refractive surgery. The Company's LADARVision System combines high speed, laser radar eye tracking with precisely controlled narrow beam shaping technology.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements containing terms such as "believes," "does not believe," "no reason to believe," "expects," "plans," "intends," "estimates," or "anticipates" are considered to contain uncertainty and are forward-looking statements. Conditional approval to conduct LASIK hyperopic astigmatism trials does not constitute an FDA approval of the Company's product. For a discussion of the important factors that could affect the Company's results, please refer to the Overview section, the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the Risk Factors section in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.

  CONTACT: COMPANY CONTACT:
            Autonomous Technologies
            Randy Frey, Chairman & CEO
            ([e-mail])
            Jonathan Kennedy, Manager of Investor Relations
            ([e-mail])
            [phone]
                    or
            INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS:
            Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates, Inc.
            Bruce Voss ([e-mail])
            [phone]
            Ruth Markowitz ([e-mail])
            [phone]