Recent Study Published by U.S. News and World Report Highlighting the “Best Hospitals for Ophthalmology” Includes 35 IRIDEX Customers

Mountain View Calif., August 30, 2018 -- IRIDEX Corporation (Nasdaq: IRIX), a leading provider of innovative laser systems in ophthalmology, is pleased to announce that the Company’s Cyclo G6 Glaucoma Laser System is used in 35 of the 39 “Best Hospitals for Ophthalmology” as ranked in a recent report by U.S. News and World Report.

The Cyclo G6 system is the first in its class designed specifically to treat patients diagnosed with a range of glaucoma disease states. It features the Company’s proprietary MicroPulse technology, in which a continuous-wave laser beam is chopped into a train of tiny, repetitive, low energy pulses separated by a brief rest period allowing the tissue to cool between laser pulses.

U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Hospitals: Specialty Rankings” is provided annually with a focus on identifying hospitals that excel in treating particularly difficult patients. In the 2017-2018 rankings, over 4,500 U.S. hospitals were evaluated. Specialty hospitals must meet a volume/discharge threshold and be recommended by a minimum number of specialists.

“I have been using the MicroPulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) procedure with the Cyclo G6 laser and the MicroPulse P3 probe for more than two years. MicroPulse mode has proven to be an efficacious choice for many of my glaucoma patients, providing significant reduction in pressure and medication use. I have found that after MP-TSCPC procedures, my patients experience less pain and post-procedural inflammation than after traditional Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC),” said Dr. Jonathan S. Myers, Chief Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital.

Since its launch in 2015, approximately 1,100 G6 systems and approximately 90,000 G6 probes have been shipped to over 50 countries.

“A key component of our strategy in the U.S. is building and expanding relationships with the largest and best ophthalmology hospitals in the country. We are delighted to see most of the facilities named in this report already on the IRIDEX customer list. We believe this both validates our technology and demonstrates the opportunity we have to expand utilization within a wide range of notable institutions,” said William Moore, Chief Executive Officer of IRIDEX.

About IRIDEX

IRIDEX Corporation is a worldwide leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and versatile laser-based medical systems, delivery devices and consumable instrumentation for the ophthalmology market. The Company’s proprietary MicroPulse® technology delivers a differentiated treatment that provides safe, effective, and proven treatment for targeted sight-threatening eye conditions. IRIDEX’s current product line is used for the treatment of glaucoma, diabetic macular edema (DME) and other retinal diseases. IRIDEX products are sold in the United States through a direct sales force and internationally primarily through a network of independent distributors into more than 100 countries. For further information, visit www.iridex.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, including those statements concerning future sales of Company products and industry trends. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the Company’s ability to execute on its strategic goals, market adoption of its products and industry developments. Please see a detailed description of these and other risks contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for subsequent fiscal quarters, each of which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date and will not be updated.

Media Contact:

Jamie Hall
Pascale Communications, LLC.
724.417.0167
pr@iridex.com

Investor Relations

Lynn Pieper Lewis or Leigh Salvo
415.937.5404
investors@iridex.com