New Technology Represents First True Yellow Laser with CW-Pulse(TM) and MicroPulse(TM) Delivery
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IRIDEX Corporation, today announced the commencement of shipments to customers of the IQ 577 laser systems. The IQ 577 is a high-power, true yellow (577 nm wavelength) laser system for use by ophthalmologists to treat sight-threatening eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
The IQ 577 offers tangible benefits to both patient and physician. Patients benefit from less discomfort. The higher inherent absorption in blood, together with the lower scattering of the 577 nm yellow laser wavelength, compared with 532 nm green laser systems, helps to reduce the therapeutic power requirements and resultant patient discomfort. Physicians benefit from efficiencies due to its easy to understand user interface, wireless foot pedal control with power adjust capability, and audible confirmation of adjustments.
“The 577 nm laser wavelength previously was available to ophthalmologists only in argon-pumped dye laser systems,” commented Theodore A. Boutacoff, President and CEO. “These argon-pumped dye laser systems, now obsolete, were popular at one time; however, they were large, had high electrical power demands, required circulating water for cooling, and were expensive to maintain and service. In contrast, we have directed our company’s experience and expertise to develop the IQ 577, reintroducing this laser wavelength to clinicians in a modern product utilizing reliable and efficient solid-state laser technology. The integration of MicroPulse technology into the IQ 577 ensures that it will satisfy not only today’s clinical requirements, but also those of the future. Also in contrast to the previous dye laser systems, the IQ 577 visualization optics are substantially clearer and provides the ophthalmic laser surgeon with the ability to visually titrate subtle laser doses, which enhances preservation of viable tissue.”
What is MicroPulse Technology?
MicroPulse is a tissue sparing technology offering a benefit over standard laser delivery by electronically “chopping” each laser pulse into microsecond bursts. This enhances the physician’s control over the energy delivered to tissue, opening the door to new ocular treatment options, with the goal, once again, of achieving a more tissue sparing laser therapy.
About IRIDEX
IRIDEX Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of therapeutic based laser systems, disposable laser probes and delivery devices to treat eye diseases in ophthalmology and skin disorders in the aesthetics market. IRIDEX products are sold in the United States through a direct sales force and internationally through a combination of a direct sales force and a network of approximately 100 independent distributors into 107 countries. For further information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.iridex.com.
CONTACT: Jim Mackaness, Chief Financial Officer of IRIDEX, +1-650-940-4700
Web site: http://www.iridex.com/
