Alternative to LASIK Increases Momentum with U.S....( - STAAR Surgical's Visian ICL(TM) Se...),Health

- STAAR Surgical's Visian ICL(TM) Second Quarter Sales Increase by 38% as

Compared to Increased Second Quarter Declines in LASIK Procedures

-STAAR Surgical Announces New Consumer Website for Visian ICL

MONROVIA, Calif., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STAAR Surgical Company (Nasdaq: STAA) announced today that its Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), a tiny, flexible lens implanted in the eye to correct refractive errors, continues to gain momentum with consumers in the U.S. market. The Visian ICL is often referred to as the "implantable contact lens" by patients and physicians. According to preliminary data from the company, U.S. sales of the Visian ICL grew 38% over the prior year period. During the second quarter this accelerating rate of Visian ICL growth contrasts sharply with an even more significant decline in LASIK vision correction procedures. According to a leading provider of LASIK vision correction services, laser-based refractive procedures had an approximate 40% decline during the second quarter. STAAR Surgical today also announced the launch of a newly revamped and enhanced website, http://www.visianinfo.com, designed to help consumers more clearly understand the benefits of the Visian ICL.

"Despite reports that consumer confidence and discretionary spending are declining, an increasing number of refractive surgeons and their patients seeking an alternative to LASIK for vision correction are opting for the Visian ICL," said STAAR Surgical President and CEO Barry G. Caldwell. "We believe that part of the reason why the Visian ICL sales momentum in the U.S. is building has been the recent recommendation by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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