IRIDEX MicroPulse™ Laser Therapy Enhances Visual Function in Patients with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IRIDEX Corporation (Nasdaq: IRIX) announced results of a clinical study evaluating the use of IRIDEX' MicroPulse laser therapy.  The study examined the tissue-sparing therapy's effectiveness with patients diagnosed with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).(1) The study concluded tissue-sparing subvisible MicroPulse laser is superior to anti-VEGF injections for CSC, also known as CSR, an eye disease, which results in blurred vision typically perceived as a dark spot in the center of the field of vision. It primarily affects men between the ages of 20-50 and is often associated with type-A personalities.

"Because of the absence of laser-induced retinal damage discernable at any time postoperatively, subvisible MicroPulse photocoagulation, with no focal burn end point (or its consequences), represents an elegant medical approach and a true clinical alternative," stated co-author Prof. Frank Koch, head of the vitreo-retinal department at the University Eye Clinic of Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany.

"MicroPulse laser therapy is producing the kind of clinical results that we believe will fuel a paradigm shift in the treatment of retinal diseases,"  Dr. Dominik Beck President & CEO stated. "MicroPulse is a tissue-sparing therapy that we believe brings long-term therapeutic benefits with no collateral damage and can increase visual function in a very cost-effective manner. Causing no collateral damage at any time postoperatively allows for MicroPulse applications to be delivered over the entire area of CSC leakage including those near to and directly over the center of the macula (the fovea). This is a powerful vote for safety. While CSC does not impact a large population, this study is additional clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety in using MicroPulse laser therapy to treat a broader class of retinal diseases that impacts millions of Americans."

This was the first comparative, prospective evaluation of subvisible MicroPulse laser treatment and anti-VEGF injections in the treatment of CSC with regard to changes in subretinal fluid and visual function. The results indicated superior subretinal fluid resolution for MicroPulse laser compared to anti-VEGF injections, and superior improvement in visual acuity and other visual functions.

(1) Koss MJ, Beger I, Koch FH. Subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation versus intravitreal injections of bevacizumab in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy. Eye (Lond) 2011. Advanced online publication

About MicroPulse Technology

MicroPulse is a tissue-sparing laser therapy that works by electronically "chopping" a continuous-wave laser emission into trains of microsecond pulses. This enhances the physician's ability to more precisely control the laser effects on target tissues, offering treatment with less collateral effects than conventional, continuous-wave laser photocoagulation.

About IRIDEX

IRIDEX Corporation was founded in 1989 and is a worldwide leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and versatile laser-based medical systems and delivery devices. We provide solutions for multiple specialties, including ophthalmology, otolaryngology, veterinary, and dermatology. We maintain a deep commitment to the success of our customers, with comprehensive technical, clinical, and service support programs. IRIDEX is dedicated to a standard of excellence, offering superior technology for superior results. IRIDEX products are sold in the United States through a direct sales force and internationally through a combination of a direct sales force and a network of approximately 100 independent distributors into 107 countries. For further information, visit the Company's website at http://www.iridex.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, relating to MicroPulse laser therapy and its impact on the treatment of retinal diseases. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. Please see a detailed description of these and other risks contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2011, July 2, 2011 and October 1, 2011, each of which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date and will not be updated.

SOURCE IRIDEX Corporation