Tissue-Sparing, Repeatable MicroPulse Laser Trabeculoplasty (MLT) Extends Versatility of IRIDEX Green (IQ 532) Laser  

Mountain View Calif., April 27, 2012— IRIDEX Corporation today announced the launch of a new non-invasive, in-office glaucoma procedure based on its proprietary MicroPulse™ technology.  The new glaucoma therapy, a tissue-sparing, repeatable therapy called MicroPulse Laser Trabeculoplasty (MLT), was introduced by IRIDEX at the recent American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).

Glaucoma is the leading cause of adult irreversible blindness.  It is estimated that more than 4 million people in the US and approximately 60 million people worldwide are afflicted with the disease today.

MLT was first introduced by IRIDEX in its infrared laser platforms, but recent technology advancements have now made it available with the IRIDEX green laser system (IQ 532), our most versatile and highest selling laser used by the broadest group of ophthalmologists. The unique ability of the IQ 532 to offer tissue-sparing repeatable therapies for both glaucoma and retinal diseases represents a market breakthrough as well as providing ophthalmologists a very high return on their capital investment, said Dr. Dominik Beck, IRIDEX President and CEO.

David Gossage, M.D., medical director of the Gossage Eye Institute, noted that the addition of the MicroPulse module to the IQ 532 system makes it a valid option for a much broader patient population than has historically been the case.

“Compared to other lasers used for the treatment of glaucoma, the IQ 532 with the MicroPulse module offers greater versatility because it can also be used for a range of other conditions including diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and retinal tears,” Dr. Gossage said.  “I’m comfortable offering MLT to glaucoma patients as a first-line option because of its potential to reduce intraocular pressure without causing tissue damage.”

MLT produces laser pulses at very short durations to create a therapeutic response of lowering the intra-ocular pressure of a glaucoma patient without thermal damage.  

About MicroPulse Technology

MicroPulse is a tissue-sparing laser delivery therapy that works by electronically “chopping” the laser emission into trains of microsecond pulses. This enhances the physician’s ability to more precisely control the laser effects on target tissues, offering the potential for ocular treatment with less collateral effects than conventional laser treatments.

About IRIDEX

IRIDEX Corporation was founded in 1989 and is a worldwide leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and versatile laser-based medical systems, delivery devices and consumable instrumentation for the ophthalmology and otolaryngology market. We maintain a deep commitment to the success of our customers, with comprehensive technical, clinical, and service support programs. IRIDEX is dedicated to a standard of excellence, offering superior technology for superior results. IRIDEX products are sold in the United States through a direct sales force and internationally through a combination of a direct sales force and a network of approximately 70 independent distributors into 107 countries. For further information, visit the Company's website at http://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, relating to the our growth strategy, the addressable market of our products and MicroPulse laser therapy.  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.  Please see a detailed description of these and other risks contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are 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.