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EYE » Topics » Industry

These excerpts taken from the EYE 10-K filed Feb 24, 2009.

Industry

SIZE="2">Vision and Vision Impairment.

 







 • 

How Vision Works. Vision is enabled by the cornea and the lens, which work together to focus light on the retina. The iris regulates the amount of light
that passes through the cornea onto the retina, providing for optimal vision in different lighting conditions. The retina contains light-sensitive receptors that transmit the image through the optic nerve to the brain.


 







 • 

Cataracts. Cataracts are an irreversible progressive ophthalmic condition in which the eye’s natural lens loses its original transparency and becomes
clouded and opaque. This clouding obstructs the passage of light to the retina and can eventually lead to blindness.

 







 • 

Refractive Disorders. Refractive disorders, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, occur when the lens system is unable to properly focus
images on the retina. For example, with myopia (nearsightedness), light rays focus in front of the retina because the curvature of the cornea is too steep for the length of the eye. With hyperopia (farsightedness), light rays focus behind the retina
because the curvature of the cornea is too flat for the length of the eye. Astigmatism makes it difficult for a person to focus on any object because the otherwise uniform curvature of the cornea or lens is not symmetrical across the surface.
Presbyopia is the progressive loss of flexibility of the lens and its ability to change shape to focus from far to near objects, and is presumably caused by aging of the eye’s natural lens.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Ophthalmic Surgical Products Market. Ophthalmic surgical products generally are designed to correct impaired vision
through minimally invasive surgical procedures. As the eye ages, the prevalence of cataracts and refractive disorders generally increases. We believe that an aging population, introduction of new technologies and increasing market acceptance present
opportunities for growth in the ophthalmic surgical market.

Cataract Treatment. The largest segment of the ophthalmic surgical
products market is the treatment of cataracts. Cataract extraction followed by IOL implantation is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States and most other developed nations. As estimated by MarketScope, approximately
3.1 million cataract procedures were performed in the United States and over 15.1 million cataract procedures were performed worldwide in 2008. MarketScope estimates that the global cataract surgery market, which includes sales of
IOLs, phacoemulsification equipment, viscoelastics and other related products, was approximately $4.1 billion in 2008 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.3% from 2008 to 2013. The data in this report
attributed to MarketScope is used with the permission of MarketScope.

During cataract surgery, patients are often treated using
phacoemulsification, a process that uses ultrasound waves to break the natural lens into tiny fragments that can be removed from the eye. Viscoelastics are used during cataract surgery to protect the inner layer of the cornea, manage intraocular
tissues and maintain space in the anterior chamber of the eye and the capsular bag (which houses the lens), allowing the eye to maintain its shape. IOLs replace the natural, clouded lens.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">The following table sets forth the estimated revenues for each component of the global cataract surgery market in its various components for the year
2008 according to MarketScope (in millions):

 












































IOLs

  $1,889

Viscoelastics

   560

Phacoemulsification machines and accessories

   795

Other

   897
    

Total

  $4,141
    

Refractive Vision Correction. Another segment of the ophthalmic surgical market is the
surgical treatment of refractive disorders.

LASIK. The most common refractive surgery procedure is laser surgery, and the most
common surgical technique for treating refractive disorders is LASIK. LASIK involves the creation of a thin corneal flap, which is then gently retracted to expose the underlying tissue, which is treated using an excimer laser to achieve vision
correction. The corneal flap is created with either a mechanical blade microkeratome, or with the more advanced femtosecond laser. The mechanical microkeratome uses a mechanically driven blade at a certain depth to create the flap. The femtosecond
laser creates the flap using a computer controlled precision laser.

 


4






Table of Contents


As a result of the VISX and IntraLase acquisitions, we are a leader in the design and development of
proprietary technologies and systems for laser vision correction of refractive vision disorders. Laser vision correction eliminates or reduces reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses. It employs a computerized laser that ablates, or removes,
sub-micron layers of tissue from the cornea, reshaping the eye and thereby improving vision.

Standard LASIK was introduced in the mid
1990s. In performing standard LASIK, an ophthalmologist conducts a traditional eye examination to determine the prescription required to correct the patient’s vision. The prescription is then programmed into the laser system, which
calculates the ablation needed to make a precise corneal correction to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike custom LASIK, discussed below, standard LASIK cannot identify higher order aberrations, which are additional
imperfections in the optical system.

The most advanced method of performing laser vision correction is custom LASIK. Custom LASIK
employs a diagnostic evaluation of the eye that measures refractive errors in the patient’s vision more precisely than previously available technology. The diagnostic device obtains comprehensive information about the imperfections, or
refractive errors, of each patient’s vision. Refractive errors are displayed by the diagnostic device in the form of an aberration map that offers a unique pattern for each patient’s eye, similar to a fingerprint. The map displays
information about refractive errors that result in nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, as well as information about higher order aberrations that were not previously measurable by any other instrument. The information from the
diagnostic device is used to generate a personalized treatment plan that is digitally transferred to the laser system. The ablation derived from this information is therefore customized to the individual’s eye.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Laser vision correction can also be performed by photorefractive keratectomy (“PRK”). PRK does not require the use of a microkeratome, and
the epithelial layer (or outer layer) of the cornea is removed before ablation. Patients may experience discomfort for approximately 24 hours and blurred vision for approximately 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Drops to alleviate
discomfort may be prescribed. Although most patients experience significant improvement in uncorrected vision (vision without the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses) within a few days of the procedure, unlike LASIK it generally takes several
months for the final correction to stabilize and for the full benefit of the procedure to be realized.

IOLs. Surgical implantation
of IOLs also may be used to treat patients with refractive disorders. Phakic IOLs can be implanted in front or in back of the iris and work in conjunction with the patient’s natural lens to treat refractive disorders. Multifocal IOLs, which
replace the natural lens, address near, intermediate and distance vision. Other procedures, such as replacing the patient’s natural lens with an accommodating IOL for refractive vision correction, are also being developed.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Eye Care Market. As the use of contact lenses has increased the demand for disinfecting solutions and contact lens rewetting drops has
increased. We believe that the contact lens market growth is driven by technological advancements in lens materials and designs and demographic growth in younger wearers. In response to increasing popularity of more frequently replaceable
lenses and consumer interest in more convenient lens care regimens, we believe the contact lens care market continues to evolve toward greater use of single-bottle, multi-purpose solutions and away from hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. This
evolution has had an unfavorable impact on the global hydrogen peroxide-based solutions market, which is concentrated in Japan and parts of Europe.

SIZE="2">Overall, we believe that demographic trends, new lens materials and specialty lenses are fueling global increases in the number of contact lens wearers, especially in China and other Asia Pacific countries. We believe that this is
contributing to overall growth in multi-purpose solutions. The exception to this positive dynamic is in Japan, where a higher than average percent of the market has moved to daily disposable contact lenses that use cleaning solutions only
occasionally or not at all.

Finally, the eye care market includes artificial tear and contact lens rewetter products designed to relieve
dryness associated with contact lens wear, environmental conditions and dry eye disease. We believe the global market for artificial tear products exceeds $500 million per year.

SIZE="1"> 


5






Table of Contents


Industry

SIZE="2">Vision and Vision Impairment.

 







 • 

How Vision Works. Vision is enabled by the cornea and the lens, which work together to focus light on the retina. The iris regulates the amount of light
that passes through the cornea onto the retina, providing for optimal vision in different lighting conditions. The retina contains light-sensitive receptors that transmit the image through the optic nerve to the brain.


 







 • 

Cataracts. Cataracts are an irreversible progressive ophthalmic condition in which the eye’s natural lens loses its original transparency and becomes
clouded and opaque. This clouding obstructs the passage of light to the retina and can eventually lead to blindness.

 







 • 

Refractive Disorders. Refractive disorders, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, occur when the lens system is unable to properly focus
images on the retina. For example, with myopia (nearsightedness), light rays focus in front of the retina because the curvature of the cornea is too steep for the length of the eye. With hyperopia (farsightedness), light rays focus behind the retina
because the curvature of the cornea is too flat for the length of the eye. Astigmatism makes it difficult for a person to focus on any object because the otherwise uniform curvature of the cornea or lens is not symmetrical across the surface.
Presbyopia is the progressive loss of flexibility of the lens and its ability to change shape to focus from far to near objects, and is presumably caused by aging of the eye’s natural lens.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Ophthalmic Surgical Products Market. Ophthalmic surgical products generally are designed to correct impaired vision
through minimally invasive surgical procedures. As the eye ages, the prevalence of cataracts and refractive disorders generally increases. We believe that an aging population, introduction of new technologies and increasing market acceptance present
opportunities for growth in the ophthalmic surgical market.

Cataract Treatment. The largest segment of the ophthalmic surgical
products market is the treatment of cataracts. Cataract extraction followed by IOL implantation is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States and most other developed nations. As estimated by MarketScope, approximately
3.1 million cataract procedures were performed in the United States and over 15.1 million cataract procedures were performed worldwide in 2008. MarketScope estimates that the global cataract surgery market, which includes sales of
IOLs, phacoemulsification equipment, viscoelastics and other related products, was approximately $4.1 billion in 2008 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.3% from 2008 to 2013. The data in this report
attributed to MarketScope is used with the permission of MarketScope.

During cataract surgery, patients are often treated using
phacoemulsification, a process that uses ultrasound waves to break the natural lens into tiny fragments that can be removed from the eye. Viscoelastics are used during cataract surgery to protect the inner layer of the cornea, manage intraocular
tissues and maintain space in the anterior chamber of the eye and the capsular bag (which houses the lens), allowing the eye to maintain its shape. IOLs replace the natural, clouded lens.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">The following table sets forth the estimated revenues for each component of the global cataract surgery market in its various components for the year
2008 according to MarketScope (in millions):

 












































IOLs

  $1,889

Viscoelastics

   560

Phacoemulsification machines and accessories

   795

Other

   897
    

Total

  $4,141
    

Refractive Vision Correction. Another segment of the ophthalmic surgical market is the
surgical treatment of refractive disorders.

LASIK. The most common refractive surgery procedure is laser surgery, and the most
common surgical technique for treating refractive disorders is LASIK. LASIK involves the creation of a thin corneal flap, which is then gently retracted to expose the underlying tissue, which is treated using an excimer laser to achieve vision
correction. The corneal flap is created with either a mechanical blade microkeratome, or with the more advanced femtosecond laser. The mechanical microkeratome uses a mechanically driven blade at a certain depth to create the flap. The femtosecond
laser creates the flap using a computer controlled precision laser.

 


4






Table of Contents


As a result of the VISX and IntraLase acquisitions, we are a leader in the design and development of
proprietary technologies and systems for laser vision correction of refractive vision disorders. Laser vision correction eliminates or reduces reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses. It employs a computerized laser that ablates, or removes,
sub-micron layers of tissue from the cornea, reshaping the eye and thereby improving vision.

Standard LASIK was introduced in the mid
1990s. In performing standard LASIK, an ophthalmologist conducts a traditional eye examination to determine the prescription required to correct the patient’s vision. The prescription is then programmed into the laser system, which
calculates the ablation needed to make a precise corneal correction to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike custom LASIK, discussed below, standard LASIK cannot identify higher order aberrations, which are additional
imperfections in the optical system.

The most advanced method of performing laser vision correction is custom LASIK. Custom LASIK
employs a diagnostic evaluation of the eye that measures refractive errors in the patient’s vision more precisely than previously available technology. The diagnostic device obtains comprehensive information about the imperfections, or
refractive errors, of each patient’s vision. Refractive errors are displayed by the diagnostic device in the form of an aberration map that offers a unique pattern for each patient’s eye, similar to a fingerprint. The map displays
information about refractive errors that result in nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, as well as information about higher order aberrations that were not previously measurable by any other instrument. The information from the
diagnostic device is used to generate a personalized treatment plan that is digitally transferred to the laser system. The ablation derived from this information is therefore customized to the individual’s eye.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Laser vision correction can also be performed by photorefractive keratectomy (“PRK”). PRK does not require the use of a microkeratome, and
the epithelial layer (or outer layer) of the cornea is removed before ablation. Patients may experience discomfort for approximately 24 hours and blurred vision for approximately 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Drops to alleviate
discomfort may be prescribed. Although most patients experience significant improvement in uncorrected vision (vision without the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses) within a few days of the procedure, unlike LASIK it generally takes several
months for the final correction to stabilize and for the full benefit of the procedure to be realized.

IOLs. Surgical implantation
of IOLs also may be used to treat patients with refractive disorders. Phakic IOLs can be implanted in front or in back of the iris and work in conjunction with the patient’s natural lens to treat refractive disorders. Multifocal IOLs, which
replace the natural lens, address near, intermediate and distance vision. Other procedures, such as replacing the patient’s natural lens with an accommodating IOL for refractive vision correction, are also being developed.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Eye Care Market. As the use of contact lenses has increased the demand for disinfecting solutions and contact lens rewetting drops has
increased. We believe that the contact lens market growth is driven by technological advancements in lens materials and designs and demographic growth in younger wearers. In response to increasing popularity of more frequently replaceable
lenses and consumer interest in more convenient lens care regimens, we believe the contact lens care market continues to evolve toward greater use of single-bottle, multi-purpose solutions and away from hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. This
evolution has had an unfavorable impact on the global hydrogen peroxide-based solutions market, which is concentrated in Japan and parts of Europe.

SIZE="2">Overall, we believe that demographic trends, new lens materials and specialty lenses are fueling global increases in the number of contact lens wearers, especially in China and other Asia Pacific countries. We believe that this is
contributing to overall growth in multi-purpose solutions. The exception to this positive dynamic is in Japan, where a higher than average percent of the market has moved to daily disposable contact lenses that use cleaning solutions only
occasionally or not at all.

Finally, the eye care market includes artificial tear and contact lens rewetter products designed to relieve
dryness associated with contact lens wear, environmental conditions and dry eye disease. We believe the global market for artificial tear products exceeds $500 million per year.

SIZE="1"> 


5






Table of Contents


This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-K filed Mar 3, 2008.

Industry

FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Vision and Vision Impairment.

 







 • 

How Vision Works. Vision is enabled by the cornea and the lens, which work together to focus light on the retina. The iris regulates the amount of light
that passes through the cornea onto the retina, providing for optimal vision in different lighting conditions. The retina contains light-sensitive receptors that transmit the image through the optic nerve to the brain.


 







 • 

Cataracts. Cataracts are an irreversible progressive ophthalmic condition in which the eye’s natural lens loses its usual transparency and becomes
clouded and opaque. This clouding obstructs the passage of light to the retina and can eventually lead to blindness.

 


3






Table of Contents








 • 

Refractive Disorders. Refractive disorders, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, occur when the lens system is unable to properly focus
images on the retina. For example, with myopia (nearsightedness), light rays focus in front of the retina because the curvature of the cornea is too steep for the length of the eye. With hyperopia (farsightedness), light rays focus behind the retina
because the curvature of the cornea is too flat for the length of the eye. Astigmatism makes it difficult for a person to focus on any object because the otherwise uniform curvature of the cornea or lens is not symmetrical across the surface.
Presbyopia is the progressive loss of flexibility of the lens and its ability to change shape to focus from far to near objects, and is presumably caused by aging of the eye’s lens.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Ophthalmic Surgical Products Market. Ophthalmic surgical products generally are designed to correct impaired vision through
minimally invasive surgical procedures. As the eye ages, the prevalence of cataracts and refractive disorders generally increases. We believe that an aging population, introduction of new technologies and increasing market acceptance present
opportunities for growth in the ophthalmic surgical market.

Cataract Treatment. The largest segment of the ophthalmic surgical
products market is the treatment of cataracts. Cataract extraction followed by IOL implantation is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States and most other developed nations. As estimated by MarketScope, approximately
3 million cataract procedures were performed in the United States and over 14.6 million cataract procedures were performed worldwide in 2007. MarketScope estimates that the global cataract surgery market, which includes sales of IOLs,
phacoemulsification equipment, viscoelastics and other related products, was approximately $3.7 billion in 2007 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7% from 2007 to 2012. The data in this report attributed to
MarketScope is used with the permission of MarketScope.

During cataract surgery, patients are often treated using phacoemulsification, a
process that uses ultrasound waves to break the natural lens into tiny fragments that can be removed from the eye. Viscoelastics are used during cataract surgery to protect the inner layer of the cornea, manage intraocular tissues and maintain space
in the anterior chamber of the eye and the capsular bag (which houses the lens), allowing the eye to maintain its shape. IOLs replace the natural, clouded lens.

FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following table sets forth the estimated revenues for each component of the global cataract surgery market in its various components for the year 2007 according to MarketScope (in millions):

STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"> 












































IOLs

  $1,615

Viscoelastics

   529

Phacoemulsification machines and accessories

   700

Other

   885
    

Total

  $3,729
    

Refractive Vision Correction. Another segment of the ophthalmic surgical market is the
surgical treatment of refractive disorders.

LASIK. The most common refractive surgery procedure is laser surgery, and the most
common surgical technique for treating refractive disorders is LASIK. LASIK involves the creation of a thin corneal flap, which is then gently retracted to expose the underlying tissue, which is treated using an excimer laser to achieve vision
correction. The corneal flap is created with either a mechanical blade microkeratome, or with the more advanced femtosecond laser. The mechanical microkeratome uses a mechanically driven blade at a certain depth to create the flap. The femtosecond
laser creates the flap using a computer controlled precision laser.

As a result of the VISX and IntraLase acquisitions, we are a leader in
the design and development of proprietary technologies and systems for laser vision correction of refractive vision disorders. Laser vision correction eliminates or reduces reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses. It employs a computerized laser
that ablates, or removes, sub-micron layers of tissue from the cornea, reshaping the eye and thereby improving vision.

Standard LASIK was
introduced in the mid 1990’s. In performing standard LASIK, an ophthalmologist conducts a traditional eye examination to determine the prescription required to correct the patient’s vision. The prescription is then programmed into the
laser system, which calculates the ablation needed to make a precise corneal correction to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike custom LASIK, discussed below, standard LASIK cannot identify higher order aberrations,
which are additional imperfections in the optical system.

 


4






Table of Contents


The most advanced method of performing laser vision correction is custom LASIK. Custom LASIK employs
a diagnostic evaluation of the eye that measures refractive errors in the patient’s vision more precisely than previously available technology. The diagnostic device obtains comprehensive information about the imperfections, or refractive
errors, of each patient’s vision. Refractive errors are displayed by the diagnostic device in the form of an aberration map that offers a unique pattern for each patient’s eye, similar to a fingerprint. The map displays information
about refractive errors that result in nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as information about higher order aberrations that were not previously measurable by any other instrument. The information from the diagnostic
device is used to generate a personalized treatment plan that is digitally transferred to the laser system. The ablation derived from this information is therefore customized to the individual’s eye.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Laser vision correction can also be performed by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). PRK does not require the use of a microkeratome, and the
epithelial layer (or outer layer) of the cornea is removed before ablation. Patients may experience discomfort for approximately 24 hours and blurred vision for approximately 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Drops to alleviate
discomfort may be prescribed. Although most patients experience significant improvement in uncorrected vision (vision without the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses) within a few days of the procedure, unlike LASIK it generally takes several
months for the final correction to stabilize and for the full benefit of the procedure to be realized.

IOLs. Surgical implantation
of IOLs also may be used to treat patients with refractive disorders. Phakic IOLs can be implanted in front or in back of the iris and work in conjunction with the patient’s natural lens to treat refractive disorders. Multifocal IOLs, which
replace the natural lens, address near, intermediate and distance vision and are approved for non-cataract procedures outside of the United States. Other procedures, such as replacing the patient’s natural lens with an accommodating IOL for
refractive vision correction, are also being developed.

Eye Care Market. As the use of contact lenses has increased the
demand for disinfecting solutions and contact lens rewetting drops has increased. We believe that the contact lens market growth is driven by technological advancements in lens materials and designs and demographic growth in younger
wearers. In response to increasing popularity of more frequently replaceable lenses and consumer interest in more convenient lens care regimens, we believe the contact lens care market continues to evolve towards greater use of single-bottle,
multi-purpose solutions and away from hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. This evolution has had an unfavorable impact on the global hydrogen peroxide-based solutions market, which is concentrated in Japan and parts of Europe.

STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%">Overall, we believe that demographic trends, new lens materials and specialty lenses are fueling global increases in the number of contact lens wearers,
especially in China and other Asia Pacific countries. We believe that this is contributing to overall growth in multi-purpose solutions. The exception to this positive dynamic is in Japan, where a higher than average percent of the market
has moved to daily disposable contact lenses that use cleaning solutions only occasionally or not at all.

Finally, the eye care market
includes artificial tear and contact lens rewetter products designed to relieve dryness associated with contact lens wear, environmental conditions and dry eye disease. We believe the global market for artificial tear products exceeds $500
million per year.

EXCERPTS ON THIS PAGE:

10-K (2 sections)
Feb 24, 2009
10-K
Mar 3, 2008

RELATED TOPICS for EYE:

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