FDA PANEL RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF VISX EXCIMER LASER SYSTEMS

The FDA Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel has recommended approval of the VISX Excimer Laser Systems for use in the treatment of from one to six diopters of hyperopia, or farsightedness.

In making its determination, the panel reviewed data from eight U.S. clinical sites.

Commenting on the panel's recommendation, Mark Logan, chairman, president and CEO of VISX, stated, "This recommendation is good news and further demonstrates the tremendous technical advantage inherent in our system. The VISX STAR(TM) is capable of correcting myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia without the need for additional devices such as trackers and discs; I believe this is another major benefit for our customers. VISX will be working with the FDA to gain final approval for hyperopia as soon as possible."

Dr. James J. Salz, clinical professor of ophthalmology, University of Southern California, and principal VISX investigator at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said, "I have been performing hyperopic laser vision correction with the VISX STAR laser system as part of this FDA clinical trial.

"The clinical results are outstanding and hyperopic laser vision correction has become my favorite refractive surgical procedure, primarily because of the high level of satisfaction reported by these patients. I am extremely hopeful that FDA approval will soon make this exciting procedure available to all VISX users."

VISX is the worldwide leader in the development of refractive laser technology. VISX systems are commercially available in the United States and markets worldwide.

For more information, call 408/733-2020.