Ophthonix Introduces New Vision Optimization Technology; ``High Definition'' Technology to Redefine Current Refraction and Correction.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2003

Ophthonix, Inc., a vision care company developing enhanced visual correction systems, debuted its new vision optimization technology to a very enthusiastic industry at the American Academy of Optometry in Dallas, TX, December 4-6. The Ophthonix technology will deliver the Z-Lens(TM) eyeglasses, which are designed to provide "high definition vision" -- up to 20/10 visual acuity with clarity and crispness -- to the millions of consumers who require vision correction. The Z-Lens, is the first ever fully customized approach to eyeglasses and will capitalize on the $15 billion spectacle lens market.

"The Ophthonix approach is the first major industry transformation in single vision spectacle lenses since their invention and can also be applied to contact lenses," said Andreas Dreher, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder. "What makes the Ophthonix system such an advance is its ability to exactly determine and customize correction to the patient's specific optical needs, thus providing high definition vision. The potential for optimized vision is tremendous."

Dr. Dreher explained that the human eye is an imperfect optical instrument and that no two eyes are alike. Today's refraction focuses only on traditional sphere, cylinder and axis, which allow correction for nearsightedness and farsightedness. Current technologies are not able to separately measure and correct high order aberrations -- which include coma, trefoil, spherical aberration, quadrefoil, distortion and increasing levels of astigmatism. As a result, even if patients see 20/20, their clarity and crispness of vision may be compromised or they may experience double images, shadows, halos, or poor contrast. Often those with 20/20 vision have difficulty driving at night. "The high order aberrations are central to the concept of no two eyes being alike, much as with fingerprints, and until these are addressed in refraction and correction, the patient will always be in a position of vision compromised and not optimized," said Dreher.

Dreher added that the Ophthonix technology is a fully integrated system. "It includes the eye exam, the measurement and correction of aberrations in the eye and the way lenses are produced," he said. He explained that the exam is conducted with the Z-View(TM) aberrometer, an objective, through-lens, binocular instrument that is based on theory of wavefront measurements. The Z-View measures second order and high order aberrations, producing a digital prescription that is programmed into the Z-Lens eyeglasses. The programmer operates much as a CD burner would, actually adding information to the lens, which is completely different than the molding or grinding processes of today. The exam is quick, taking only two minutes to complete, compared to an average of 15 to 20 minutes for traditional refraction, and completely objective, requiring no input from the patient. Dreher went on to note, "the objective approach of the Z-View exam also makes it ideal for use in screening vision with young children and infants."

At the debut, Ophthonix's Professional Advisors, a group of renown and influential doctors, presented clinical data on the Ophthonix lens, demonstrating significant vision improvement in myopic, emmetropic and LASIK patients. Ophthonix plans further clinical trials during the first half of 2004, leading up to its formal market introduction in the fall 2004.

Dr. Dreher summed up the response from Academy attendees as overwhelmingly positive. "The enthusiasm we received from eye care practitioners was beyond our expectations. They saw the importance of the Ophthonix concept and the benefits it will bring to their patients and their practices."

About Ophthonix

Ophthonix, Inc., a San Diego-based, venture funded ophthalmic company, is developing exceptional vision assessment and correction technologies to greatly enhance visual acuity. Ophthonix is currently advancing a system that will improve the ability of optometrists and ophthalmologists to care for their patients and benefit the millions around the world requiring vision correction. Ophthonix is located at 10455 Pacific Center Court, San Diego, CA 92121, PH: 858-646-5330, FAX: [phone]. Learn more at www.ophthonix.com.