Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. Demonstrates Leadership in Refractive Surgical Ophthalmic Market

LAS VEGAS, NV -- (MARKET WIRE) -- November 10, 2006 -- AAO Booth #2820 -- Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. continues to offer advanced refractive laser technologies for the effective and patient-friendly correction of vision defects worldwide. The company will highlight these technologies including its Mel 80™ Excimer Laser System, which recently received U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for vision correction eye surgery, here at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting, November 11-14, 2006.

The FDA clinical trials for the MEL 80 show that 93 percent of patients were corrected at three months to 20/20 or better visual acuity, and 41 percent were corrected to 20/12.5 or better at six months. Additionally, 85 percent of patients achieved within one-half of a diopter of the intended correction at three months post-operative follow-up.

"We believe the excellent results from the FDA clinical studies further improve the reputation of the MEL 80 as one of the leading refractive laser systems worldwide," said Jim Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. "Additionally, the company is pursuing the development of an advanced femtosecond laser system, which complements the advanced excimer laser platform offered by the MEL 80.

"It is our intent to provide not only the most advanced technologies, but also to offer innovative systems solutions to best meet the needs of our customers. The integrated approach of both the MEL 80 and the femtosecond technologies will offer a truly unique and comprehensive solution."

Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. recently filed for 510(k) approval of its femtosecond laser system, and anticipates clearance in the second half of 2007. The company's femtosecond laser is designed to provide smooth, precise flap cutting capability for LASIK refractive surgery. This technology, combined with the MEL 80 is expected to offer excellent clinical outcomes with optimized work flow for refractive surgeons.

The MEL 80 Laser is designed to make correction of vision defects exceptionally efficient. The technology uses a particularly small spot size and Gaussian beam profile, thereby creating a corneal ablation which is even and is protective of the surrounding tissue.

According to Mark Packer, M.D., FACS, a principle investigator of the clinical trial and clinical associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore., "The MEL 80 has superior characteristics that make it extremely advanced, and because of its speed, the amount of time the cornea is exposed is reduced. As a result, the overall treatment procedure is significantly shortened, and the laser is able to preserve the natural curvature of the cornea, ultimately improving the quality of vision."

The MEL 80 Laser and femtosecond laser technologies will be demonstrated in the Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. booth (2820) on Saturday, November 11 at 11:10 a.m.

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.

All Trademarks are the property of their respected owners.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Amy Cook For Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. 925.552.7893 or 925.200.2125 Email Contact