LenSar: New Laser Cure for Cataracts

Is there a real laser that will soon be used to treat cataracts?

NEW YORK, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new laser therapy that can
potentially remove cataracts from people's eyes more efficiently and with
greater precision was presented on October 24, 2009 at the American Academy of
Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting. The technology, currently undergoing
clinical trials outside the USA, was developed by LenSar, a start-up company
which is in a head-to-head competition with two other players to be the first
to commercialize the technology. LenSar plans to start treating patients if
the FDA will consider the results of the remaining trials to be both safe and
effective.

Although the new device will cost more than existing technologies, the speed
of surgery may compensate for that by allowing more procedures to be performed
in less time. The new LenSar laser cataract device is designed to be safer and
easier to use, and it is believed that most cataract surgeons can learn to use
it to perform surgeries with less complications. The laser will allow for the
use of "premium" implants which set up bifocal vision as well as provide a
better way to treat astigmatism.

Cataracts are presently treated with a devise known as a Phacoemulsifier,
which uses ultrasound waves to break up the contents of the cataract and was
nicknamed in the mid-seventies a "laser". This 35 years old device is
generally very safe, however results are largely dependent on the individual
surgeon's skills. LenSar suggests that their laser will make cataract surgery
easier to perform, perhaps transforming average eye surgeons into surgeons
equipped with safer and better technology, benefitting the three million
patients who undergo cataract surgery annually in the U.S.

LenSar's CEO, Randy Frey, Ph.D., a well-acclaimed scientist known best for the
Lasik laser he developed, formed LenSar in 2004 which has had about 100
operations performed outside of the U.S. with promising results. Although his
cataract laser concept has spurred competing companies, Frey claims that he
holds important patent applications which allow the company to focus on R&D
and pay less attention to competitors. It is his belief that LenSar's patents
will prevail and will have a legal claim on any such devices, regardless of
their maker.

The real financial benefit for LenSar is not in the sale of the laser but in
the "royalty-like" fee that is paid to the company each time the laser is
used. Laser eye surgery devices by companies such as Alcon, Bausch and Lomb,
and AMO have generated billions in revenue using this "click fee" strategy.

SOURCE LenSar

Joseph Dello Russo, +1-201-538-3842, joedellorussomd@aol.com