Healthcare Industry News: Nd:Yag laser
News Release - June 22, 2006
Lumenis(R) Promotes Worldwide Use of Non-Invasive Laser Treatment for Glaucoma Patients Struggling to Prevent Irreversible Vision Loss
Over 100 Physicians from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa Participate in Unique Educational Workshop on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)YOKNEAM, Israel, June 22 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Lumenis® Ltd., a global developer, manufacturer and seller of laser and light-based devices for medical, aesthetic, ophthalmic, dental and veterinary applications, announced today that doctors from all across Europe, the Middle-East and Africa, are meeting in Malaga Spain, to discuss and learn a relatively new laser technique called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for the treatment of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. It is most often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) which has been identified as the main risk factor in the occurrence and progression of the disease. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, an organization that works closely with the glaucoma research community since 1978, it is estimated that the total number of suspected cases of glaucoma is approximately 65 million worldwide. If left untreated, glaucoma patients may experience irreversible loss of eyesight.
"We are pleased to partner with Coherent-SLT (UK) Ltd. to offer physicians from Europe, the Middle-East and Africa the opportunity to participate in this educational workshop," said Avner Raz, President and CEO of Lumenis. "At Lumenis, we continually strive to deliver advanced technology that enhances the lives of patients worldwide. We believe our innovative and advanced SLT laser systems, which include the Selecta® II, Selecta® Duet(TM) and Selecta® Trio, offer the solutions ophthalmologists need for their patients. We hope they fully participate in this workshop and carry home the confidence to integrate SLT into their practices -- in other words, to offer this advanced and non-invasive technique to their patients currently struggling with glaucoma."
About SLT
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) utilizes a 3-nanosecond, Q-Switched, frequency-doubled Nd:Yag laser pulse to selectively target the melanin granules within pigmented cells of the trabecular meshwork, an ocular tissue that plays a key role in the pathology. The short duration of the laser pulse eliminates coagulative damage to the trabecular meshwork and adjacent structures by confining the laser energy to the target tissue.
According to renowned glaucoma expert Mark Latina, MD, who pioneered this technology, "SLT is highly effective and circumvents patient compliance issues, as well as ocular and systemic side-effects seen with topical medications." Dr. Latina continued, "Previous generation laser therapy known as Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty or ALT is not applied as first-line therapy because of the coagulative damage caused to the meshwork and the associated inflammatory complications. In contrast, SLT, which has been evaluated as primary therapy in a number of studies, has produced excellent results that are on par with the most prescribed topical medication currently available in the market."
"The SLT technology that was pioneered by Dr. Mark Latina and Lumenis is already in its third generation. No other company in the world offers such a diversified SLT product portfolio and robust clinical data on this revolutionary technology, combined with over 40 years of ophthalmic laser innovation", concluded Avner Raz.
About Coherent-SLT Ltd.
Coherent-SLT Ltd. markets and sells the Lumenis range of products in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The company's management team has over 30 years of experience in the ophthalmic market in general and ophthalmic lasers in particular. Following its highly successful launch at the 2006 Royal College of Ophthalmology Meeting in May (Manchester UK), the company is now holding its first international meeting in Malaga Spain, together with Lumenis, and allowing delegates to learn about glaucoma laser surgery in general and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in particular.
About Lumenis
Lumenis is a global developer, manufacturer and seller of laser and light- based devices for medical, aesthetic, ophthalmic, dental and veterinary applications. The Company offers a wide range of products along with extensive product support systems including training, education and service. Lumenis invests heavily in research and development to maintain and enhance its leading industry position. The Company holds numerous patents worldwide on its technologies. For more information about Lumenis and its products, log onto: www.lumenis.com
Source: Lumenis
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