March 15, 2004

LaserView of CNY has announced that its laser vision correction facility is the first in the area to offer the next generation in laser vision correction.   The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix Personalized Laser Vision Correction System for the treatment of near-sightedness and astigmatism.

“Approximately 90 percent of individuals who need vision correction have myopia (near-sightedness) or astigmatism,” said Robert W. Weisenthal, MD, Medical Director.  “We’re delighted to offer our local patients this safe and effective alternative to glasses for refractive error using the proven vision correction technology of the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system.  I believe this is the best laser vision treatment technology available, and patients can be confident in the procedure.”

Results from a multicenter clinical trial¹ within the United States for the Zyoptix system were submitted to the FDA and showed impressive patient outcomes, which include:

• 99.7% of patients said their quality of vision was improved;
• 84.7% of patients expressed extreme improvement;
• 91.5% of patients had 20/20 or better visual acuity without glasses after the Zyoptix system treatment;
• 98.8% of patients were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their results;
• 0% of patients were dissatisfied with their results;  
• 98.2% of patients said they would have the procedure again.

“Data from the U.S. clinical study clearly shows that the Zyoptix technology produces excellent visual outcomes as determined by customer satisfaction,” said Weisenthal.  “Not only were more than 98 percent of the patients satisfied or extremely satisfied six months after the procedure, none of the patients were dissatisfied and there were no re-treatments during the study period.  Traditional LASIK surgery can’t say that.” 

The Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system is unique for a variety of reasons, which include the ability to change the diameter of the laser treatment area coupled with its advanced diagnostic system, which analyzes thousands of data points across the entire eye – to produce a personalized vision treatment plan.  Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system success has been proven outside the United States for over two years – with more than 100,000 procedures in Europe and other parts of the world.  The FDA approval has now made it available here in the United States.   For more information about this revolutionary procedure, contact LaserView of CNY at 423-5114. 

In 1995 a group of Syracuse area ophthalmologists formed a consortium to be able to bring the most advanced laser vision technology to the area as soon as it is approved.   They purchased the first FDA approved laser for PRK in early 1996.  This month the new Zyoptix™ system was installed and represents LaserView’s fourth laser upgrade since opening.  The group approach makes it possible to provide the absolute most current technology to the people of central New York.  Further, the shared laser facilitates continuing education and fosters continuous quality and technique improvements.  The result is that there is no need to travel to get the latest and best technology available.  To date almost 6000 procedures have been performed at LaserView.The surgeons who are currently operating at LaserView include:  Arthur F. Coli, MD, John J. Costello, Jr., DO, Michael J. Geiss, III, MD, Gregory N. Joy, MD, MBA, Robert W. Weisenthal, MD and Leslie D. Woodcock, MD

About Bausch & Lomb

Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers around the world. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical products. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Celebrating its 150^th anniversary in 2003, the Company is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Bausch & Lomb’s 2002 revenues were $1.8 billion; it employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide and its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information about the Company can be found on the Bausch & Lomb Web site at www.bausch.com.

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1. Bausch & Lomb TECHNOLAS® 217z Zyoptix System for Personalized Vision Correction – Professional Use Information (Physician Labeling).   

Ó 2003 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.

Ò/Ô denote trademarks of  Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.