Heidelberg Engineering Receives FDA Clearance for First Cornea Laser Microscope.

VISTA, Calif. -- Patients with laser vision correction, cataracts or contact lenses will have access to a new diagnostic option as Heidelberg Engineering announced today that it has received FDA clearance for the Rostock Cornea Module, the key component for the company's confocal laser microscope. The new product can image and measure corneal structures and diseases that were previously difficult, or even impossible, to see. Eye doctors will be able to view the new microscope at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting taking place this week (Oct. 23-26) in New Orleans.

The Heidelberg product is the first FDA cleared microscope using laser scanning technology for directly imaging a patient's cornea. The new product displays magnified images of the internal structures of the cornea, enabling the clinician to directly view the cell layers and individual cells in real-time. This may prove especially important for recognizing parasitic infections which are affecting long term contact lens wearers in increasing numbers.

The module connects directly to the HRT II, the company's widely regarded laser imaging instrument for glaucoma. With the world's largest number of ophthalmic laser imaging devices in use, the company expects quick market acceptance.

"The images generated by the confocal laser microscope are the clearest corneal images now available for eye care practitioners," said Travis Lindsay, chief operating officer. "We expect availability of this technology to alter practice patterns for refractive laser surgery, cataract and implantable contact lens surgery and general eye care diagnostics."

Headquartered near Heidelberg, Germany, the privately-held company is the leader in laser diagnostics for ophthalmic applications and has the world's largest installed base of laser imaging equipment. The company designs, manufactures and markets a variety of instruments for application in retina, glaucoma and cornea diseases.