EYE » Topics » Vision and Vision Impairment.

This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-K filed Feb 24, 2009.

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.

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.

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.

 

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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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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

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.

 

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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.

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.

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):

 

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.

 

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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.

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.

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.

This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-K filed Mar 1, 2007.

Vision and Vision Impairment.

·            How Vision Works. Vision is enabled by the cornea and the lens, which work together to focus light, and the iris, which regulates the amount of light that passes through the cornea onto the retina. 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.

·            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. With hyperopia (farsightedness), light rays focus

1




                  behind the retina because the curvature of the cornea is too flat. Astigmatism makes it difficult for a person to focus on any object because the otherwise uniform curvature of the cornea or lens is somehow disrupted or becomes uneven. Presbyopia is the progressive loss of flexibility of the lens and its ability to change shape to focus on near or far objects, and is presumably caused by aging of the eye’s lens and the muscles that control the shape of the lens.

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 2.9 million cataract procedures were performed in the United States and over 14.1 million cataract procedures were performed worldwide in 2006.  MarketScope estimates that the global cataract surgery market, which includes sales of IOLs, phacoemulsification equipment, viscoelastics and other related products, was approximately $3.4 billion in 2006 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 10% from 2006 to 2011. 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, provide lubrication and maintain space in the anterior chamber of the eye and the capsular bag in the posterior chamber (which houses the lens), allowing the eye to maintain its shape.

The following table sets forth the estimated revenues for each component of the global cataract surgery market in its various components for the year 2006 according to MarketScope (in millions):

IOLs

 

$

1,439

 

Viscoelastics

 

515

 

Phacoemulsification machines and accessories

 

604

 

Other

 

870

 

Total

 

$

3,428

 

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 laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK.  LASIK involves the use of an automated cutting device to cut a thin corneal flap, which is then pulled back to expose the underlying tissue, which is treated using an excimer laser to achieve vision correction. The most common cutting device is called a microkeratome.

As a result of the VISX acquisition, 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 (LVC) 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 (see below), Standard LASIK cannot correct higher order aberrations.

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,

2




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.

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 promote corneal healing and 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 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 become increasingly popular, the demand for disinfecting solutions, daily cleaners, enzymatic cleaners 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 broader adoption among 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 market, which is concentrated in Japan and parts of Europe.

Overall, we believe that strong 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 $400 million per year.

This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-K filed Mar 2, 2005.

Vision and Vision Impairment.

 

    How Vision Works. Vision is generated by the cornea and the lens, which work together to focus light, and the iris, which regulates the amount of light that passes through the cornea onto the retina. 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.

 

    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. With hyperopia (farsightedness), light rays focus behind the retina because the curvature of the cornea is too flat. Astigmatism makes it difficult for a person to focus on any object because the otherwise uniform curvature of the cornea is somehow disrupted or

 

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becomes uneven. Presbyopia is the progressive loss of flexibility of the lens and its ability to change shape to focus on near or far objects, and is presumably caused by aging of the eye’s lens and the muscles that control the shape of the lens. In the United States, approximately 166 million people suffer from some type of refractive disorder.

 

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 2.7 million cataract procedures were performed in the United States and over 14.3 million cataract procedures were performed worldwide in 2004. MarketScope estimates that the global cataract surgery market, which includes sales of IOLs, phacoemulsification equipment, viscoelastics and other related products, was approximately $2.6 billion in 2004 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6% from 2004 to 2009. 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, provide lubrication and maintain space in the capsular bag (which houses the lens), allowing the eye to maintain its shape.

 

The following table sets forth the estimated revenues for each component of the global cataract surgery market in its various components for the year 2004 according to MarketScope (in millions):

 

IOLs

   $ 1,066

Viscoelastics

     479

Phacoemulsification machines and accessories

     260

Other

     800
    

Total

   $ 2,605
    

 

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

 

    LASIK. The most common surgical technique for treating refractive disorders is laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK. LASIK involves the use of an automated cutting device to cut a thin corneal flap, which is then pulled back to expose the underlying tissue, which is treated using an excimer laser to achieve vision correction. The most common cutting device is called a microkeratome.

 

    IOLs. Surgical implantation of IOLs may be used to treat those patients with refractive disorders that cannot be treated with LASIK. For example, a patient with a thin cornea may not be recommended for LASIK treatment, but could be eligible for a phakic IOL. 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. 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 become increasingly popular, the demand for disinfecting solutions, daily cleaners, enzymatic cleaners and contact lens rewetting drops has increased. We believe that the contact lens care industry is growing as a result of broader acceptance among younger wearers and continued improvement in contact lens and contact lens care technologies. In addition, 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.

 

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