REFOCUS COMPLETES FIRST HALF OF PHASE II PRESBYOPIA TRIAL
Refocus Group reported three- and six-month preliminary data from a trial studying the use of the company's Scleral Spacing Procedure (SSP), which is intended to treat presbyopia.

To date, 50 of a planned total of 100 Phase II study participants have undergone SSP for the surgical treatment of presbyopia, the loss of near or reading vision affecting virtually 100 percent of the population after age 40. Of the 50 SSP surgical participants, 45 have completed three- or six-month follow-up exams. Preliminary data indicates 80 percent experienced sufficient improvement to result in 20/40 or better reading vision, and roughly 90 percent of these surgical patients answering a survey describe the change in their reading vision as "better" or "significantly better."

These preliminary results were also favorable when compared to the nonsurgical control group and when compared to the company's FDA Phase I results, which used an earlier surgical protocol without the new automated incisional handpiece. The company expects to submit the clinical data to the FDA in a Phase II study report during 2005.


LASIK TERMS 'WAVEFRONT-GUIDED' AND 'WAVEFRONT-OPTIMIZED' CAUSE CONFUSION
The Eye Surgery Education Council of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Foundation issued a clarification on the use of the terms "wavefront-guided" and "wavefront-optimized" in connection with laser-based procedures (LASIK, PRK, etc.) and implantable lenses used for vision correction purposes. This clarification is issued to help patients make better-informed decisions regarding their eye care.
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