Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
Designed To Provide Cataract Patients
High-Quality Near And Distance Vision In A Range Of Light Conditions
SANTA ANA, Calif., January 16, 2009 -- Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO)
[NYSE:EYE], the global leader in advanced refractive technologies for eye care
professionals and patients, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approval of the TECNIS® Multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract patients.
The TECNIS® Multifocal IOL’s unique design gives patients superior near vision and
reading speed compared to other presbyopia-correcting IOLs, as well as exceptionally
high spectacle independence, with nearly 9 out of 10 patients reporting that they never
wear glasses after surgery.
Other features/benefits include:
- high-quality vision for near, far and intermediate distances, day or night;
- first and only pupil-independent, non-apodized fully diffractive aspheric lens
designed to correct the two highest order aberrations – spherical and chromatic –
to give patients back their youthful vision;
- 95 percent patient satisfaction – the highest of any presbyopia-correcting IOL.
“The TECNIS® Multifocal IOL delivers a predictable and consistent full range of vision,”
said Ralph Chu, M.D., founder and director of the Chu Vision Institute in Bloomington,
Minn. “The U.S. clinical study shows that more than 94 percent of patients function
comfortably without glasses for all distances, including intermediate. More importantly,
my own patients are highly satisfied with the results.”
“The full diffractive surface of the TECNIS® Multifocal IOL provides high-quality vision
largely independent of pupil size and reduces chromatic aberration for better image
quality,” said Manfred Tetz, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and director of Eye-
Center-Spreebogen, Berlin, Germany. “I have been implanting the TECNIS® Multifocal
IOL since 2003 because of the high-quality visual results that I can provide for my
patients, who report being extremely satisfied with their vision.”
“The introduction of the TECNIS® Multifocal IOL in the U.S. rounds out AMO’s portfolio of
market-leading, refractive technologies,” said AMO Chairman and CEO Jim Mazzo.
“Following years of success in Europe, U.S. surgeons will soon be able to pass the
benefits of this technology on to their patients.”
TECNIS® Multifocal IOLs are indicated for primary implantation for the visual correction
of aphakia in adult patients with and without presbyopia in whom a cataractous lens has
been removed by phacoemulsification and who desire near, intermediate, and distance
vision with increased spectacle independence. The IOLs are intended to be placed in the
capsular bag.
AMO plans to ship TECNIS® Multifocal IOLs to U.S. surgeons in early 2009.
About Advanced Medical Optics (AMO)
AMO is focused on providing the full range of advanced refractive technologies and
support to help eye care professionals deliver optimal vision and lifestyle experiences to
patients of all ages. Products in the cataract line include monofocal intraocular lenses
(IOLs), phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics, and related products used in ocular
surgery. AMO owns or has the rights to such product brands as Tecnis®, Clariflex® and
Sensar® IOLs; Sovereign®, Sovereign® Compact and WhiteStar Signature™
phacoemulsification systems with WhiteStar® technology; Healon® viscoelastics and the
Baerveldt® glaucoma shunt. Products in the refractive line include wavefront diagnostic
devices, femtosecond lasers and associated patient interface devices; excimer laser
vision correction systems and treatment cards, and refractive implants. AMO brands in
the refractive business include iDesign™, iFS™, Star S4 IR®, WaveScan Wavefront®,
Advanced CustomVue™, IntraLase®, IntraLasik® and ReZoom®, Tecnis® Multifocal and
Verisyse® IOLs. Products in the eye care line include disinfecting solutions, enzymatic
cleaners, lens rewetting drops and artificial tears. Among the eye care product brands
the company possesses are COMPLETE®, COMPLETE® Blink-N-Clean®, Consept®F,
Consept® 1 Step, Oxysept® 1 Step, UltraCare®, Ultrazyme®, Total Care™ and blink®
branded products. AMO is based in Santa Ana, California, and employs approximately
3,700 worldwide. The company has operations in 27 countries and markets products in
approximately 60 countries. For more information, visit the company's Website at
www.amo-inc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about AMO, including
statements by Dr. Chu, Dr. Tetz and Mr. Mazzo, and statements relating to expected
product performance and anticipated outcomes, as well as expected shipment dates. All
forward-looking statements in this press release represent AMO's judgment only as of
the date of this press release. Actual results may differ from current expectations based
on a number of factors. Therefore, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forwardlooking
statements. AMO disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forwardlooking
statements. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors may
be found in previous press releases issued by AMO and AMO's public periodic filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the
heading "Risk Factors" in AMO's 2007 Form 10-K filed in March 2008 and its Form 10-Q
filed in November 2008. Copies of press releases and additional information about AMO
are available at www.amo-inc.com..
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Investors:
Sheree Aronson, Corporate Vice President,
Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
(714) 247-8290
[email protected]
Media:
Steve Chesterman, Manager,
Global Corporate Communications
(714) 247-8711
[email protected]