New Study by Dr. Tony Realini Demonstrates Lumenis SLT as a Powerful Tool for Reducing Glaucoma-Related Blindness in the Developing World

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 11, 2013) - Lumenis Ltd. announced today that the company is pledging its support to the work of Tony Realini, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, in improving standards of care for glaucoma patients in underserved populations. Dr. Realini is the author of a recent study demonstrating the benefits of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma in an African-ancestry population in St. Lucia. 

The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology (March 2013), found that one year after a single Lumenis SLT treatment more than 75 percent of patients remained well-controlled and medication-free. 61 patients of African descent with confirmed open-angle glaucoma were included in the study. Both eyes demonstrated a prompt and sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) response to SLT therapy. IOP dropped significantly by the first week and remained in the range of 13 to 14 mm Hg without medical therapy through 12 months.

"The impact of SLT on our patients' lives in St. Lucia has been immensely gratifying to see. We have a 100 percent follow-up rate at the two-year mark, a testament to the perceived value of SLT to this community," said Dr. Realini. "Our patients are thankful that they have received state-of-the-art glaucoma therapy, and many have expressed relief that they are no longer spending money on eye drop medications."

On St. Lucia, glaucoma affects nearly 9% of the population over the age of 30. Because St. Lucia is a developing nation with limited economic resources, geographic challenges, and no permanent glaucoma specialty care on-island, a majority of glaucoma patients go undiagnosed and untreated, and, if diagnosed, undertreated. As a consequence, preventable blindness occurs much too frequently. One NIH-funded study revealed a 16% ten-year incidence of glaucoma-related blindness in one or both eyes among these largely untreated patients.

Lumenis, the company that pioneered and brought SLT technology to market, is committed to advancing glaucoma research and to supporting ophthalmic programs aimed at helping underserved and under-privileged populations.

The Lumenis SLT procedure was used in Dr. Realini's research because it is quick, non-invasive, has minimal side effects, and requires essentially no postoperative care. The equipment (Lumenis Selecta II SLT Laser) is portable and requires no consumables, so that once the technology and expertise are onsite, the incremental cost of performing an additional SLT procedure is negligible.

"We are proud to collaborate with Dr. Realini in this noble effort to prevent unnecessary glaucoma blindness in St. Lucia," said Kfir Azoulay, Vice President and General Manager of the Lumenis Ophthalmology Business Unit. "Our goal is to demonstrate, as we have successfully done before, that Lumenis SLT is a clinically viable treatment and also the most cost-effective solution for the healthcare system in general and the glaucoma patient in particular."

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.