SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - May 7, 2013) - Lumenis Ltd., the world's largest medical laser company for ophthalmic, aesthetic, and surgical applications, and the pioneer of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) technology, announces its support of the Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK, to run a seminal glaucoma study using Lumenis' Selecta® Duet™ SLT Laser system. The laser in glaucoma and ocular hypertension (LIGHT) study will compare quality of life after glaucoma laser treatment versus eye drop therapy.
Glaucoma, a group of eye disorders characterized by a distinct pattern of optic nerve damage, is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. In 2001, Lumenis pioneered SLT technology and first introduced it to the medical market, on the basis of the scientific and clinical studies of Dr. Mark Latina and colleagues. SLT therapy uses an advanced non-thermal energy beam that preferentially targets pigmented trabecular meshwork cells, thereby improving trabecular outflow and reducing internal eye pressure shortly after treatment. SLT, a non-invasive, in-office procedure, is safe and efficacious for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma, the most prevalent type of glaucoma. Lumenis' SLT therapy is repeatable, cost-effective, clinically-proven, and associated with minimal risk of adverse events, making it an attractive alternative or adjunct to current pharmacological therapies.
Lumenis is committed to advancing glaucoma research and to supporting the ophthalmic medical community. Lumenis is a supporter of this study, providing Moorfields Eye Hospital with Lumenis' SLT products. Mr. Kfir Azoulay, Vice President and General Manager of the Lumenis Ophthalmology Strategic Business Unit said "We are proud to support the prestigious and world-renowned Moorfields Hospital on this major clinical investigation. SLT offers open-angle glaucoma patients the benefit of a clinically proven non-invasive treatment that can halt the progression of the disease and maintain vision. Furthermore, SLT also simultaneously eliminates or significantly reduces dependency on daily intake of costly medications, which also produce detrimental side effects."
The LIGHT study is the first multi-center, prospective, comparative study of over 700 patients who have been newly diagnosed with glaucoma and have not yet received treatment. The patients will receive either SLT therapy with subsequent eye drop therapy, or drops alone. Participants will be followed for 3 years, with a quality of life assessment administered at the start of the study and annually thereafter, using the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) questionnaire. The goals are to assess efficacy, safety, quality of life, and health economics. Current models indicate that using SLT as the first line of therapy in newly diagnosed patients would provide the National Health Service with an annual saving of 2.4 million pounds and potentially 80 million pounds if applied to every patient with glaucoma.
"I wanted to make sure I was looking at a question that would benefit as many people as possible," explains Gus Gazzard, the consultant ophthalmologist leading the study at Moorfields. "Glaucoma is a very common, blinding disease, which is getting more prevalent every year. The traditional treatment with drops can be unpleasant and is often disliked by patients, so I wanted to find out whether laser treatment is as good as it appears -- but more importantly to see if patients preferred it."
About Lumenis
Lumenis Ltd., the world's largest medical laser company, is a global developer, manufacturer and distributor of laser and light-based devices for aesthetic, surgical and ophthalmic applications, and has more than 900 employees worldwide. Lumenis holds approximately 250 patents, has over 75 FDA clearances, an installed base of over 80,000 systems and presence in over 100 countries. Lumenis endeavours to bring the finest state of the art technology products to the market, fulfilling the highest standards of excellence, quality and reliability, delivering premium value and service to its customers. The name Lumenis is derived from the Latin words meaning "Light of Life" highlighting the light, which is the basis of our technologies, used to enhance life. For more information about Lumenis and its products, please visit: www.lumenis.com
About Moorfields Eye Hospital
Moorfields was founded in 1804 and opened in 1805. We are the oldest and one of the largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in the world. More patients in the UK come to Moorfields than to any other eye hospital or clinic because of our world-famous reputation. This is based on the expertise of our clinical staff and the cutting-edge research taking place on site. In fact, over half the ophthalmologists practising in the UK, and many more overseas, have received specialist training at Moorfields. In 2004, we were one of the first organisations to become an NHS foundation trust. For more information about Moorfields Eye Hospital, please visit: http://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/Home
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For Further Information:
Jeff Jacomowitz
Lazar Partners Ltd.
(212) 867 1762
jrjacomowitz@lazarpartners.com