Carl Zeiss Meditec Finds Intralase Lawsuit Filing Without Merit

DUBLIN, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- November 11, 2006 -- Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., and their affiliates (collectively CZM) were informed yesterday that a suit has been filed by Intralase Corporation, claiming that CZM has improperly used confidential and proprietary information of Intralase. The suit has not been seen by CZM, and the company only learned of the action through an Intralase press release issued November 9, 2006. CZM is surprised by Intralase Corporation's decision to file this legal action.

"We have investigated Intralase's allegations thoroughly and we have determined that these claims are completely baseless," said Jim Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. "CZM has not breached any agreement or other obligation to Intralase, nor has CZM otherwise acted improperly.

"Not only do we find Intralase's filing to be without merit, but it is also in direct contradiction to the values and culture of the entire Carl Zeiss organization," continued Taylor. "We are a company that has always operated carefully and ethically, and one that respects its agreements with, and obligations to third parties, as well as any valid third party intellectual property rights.

"Carl Zeiss Meditec's technical innovations in the relevant field have resulted from the expertise, creativity and efforts of its employees and claims to the contrary can not be supported by facts," said Taylor. "This inappropriate action by Intralase is obviously timed to coincide with CZM's demonstration of advanced femtosecond technology at this week's AAO meeting, and is an obvious effort to disrupt that event. CZM will take all necessary steps to defend itself aggressively against these false claims."

About Carl Zeiss Meditec

Built on an unparalleled 160-year heritage of optical innovation, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (International Securities Identification Number DE000531370) is one of the world's leading eye care solutions providers.

Its product line includes systems for the diagnosis and treatment of the four main diseases of the eye: vision defects (refraction), cataracts, glaucoma and retinal disorders. The company has incorporated its technological expertise into a stream of product innovations throughout the years, from slit lamps and fundus cameras; to the Humphrey® Field Analyzer, recognized as the global standard for glaucoma detection and management; to its newest applications of lasers as embodied in its leading-edge MEL 80™ refractive laser, and innovative Stratus OCT™ device as an aid for glaucoma detection and management. Since 2005, the company has also been present in the market for intraocular lenses and consumables, and now covers almost the entire value chain of ophthalmic surgery. The company is looking to continue its profitable growth in the future. The acquisition of Carl Zeiss Surgical further supplements the product portfolio in ophthalmic surgery and opens up additional growth prospects in neuro and ENT surgery. Carl Zeiss Surgical is the world's leading provider of visualization solutions in the two named fields.

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG is based in Jena, Germany, with subsidiaries in Pirmasens, Germany (Carl Zeiss Meditec Systems GmbH), the USA (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc.), Japan (Carl Zeiss Meditec Co., Ltd.), Spain (Carl Zeiss Meditec Iberia S.A.) and France (IOLTECH S.A., Carl Zeiss Meditec SAS). The rapidly aging global population and other trends are expected to grow the ophthalmic market in the long term. The company is focused on applying innovative optical technologies to protect and enhance vision now and into the future.

Thirty-five percent of Carl Zeiss Meditec shares are in free float. The remaining 65 percent are held by Carl Zeiss, one of the world's leading international groups engaged in the optical and opto-electronics industry.

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Contact Information: Media Contact: Amy Cook For Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. 925.552.7893 Email Contact