Ellex Announces Release of Study Detailing Efficacy of YAG Laser Floater Removal

Ellex announces release of peer-reviewed double-blind study evaluating the safety and efficacy of YAG Laser Floater Removal. The study has been published by JAMA Opthalmology.

Adelaide, Australia – August 23, 2017 /PressCable/ —

August 23, 2017 – Adelaide, Australia – Ellex Medical Lasers Ltd (Ellex) announces the release of a study evaluating the safety and efficacy of YAG laser vitreolysis for symptomatic Weiss Ring floater patients in the leading peer-reviewed journal, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Ophthalmology. This is the first manuscript in 15 years to attest to the efficacy of laser vitreolysis in the treatment of floaters and features Ellex’s proprietary Reflex Technology™ YAG laser platform. It concluded that a single session of YAG laser vitreolysis was effective and well tolerated at six months.

Eye floaters, often described by patients as ‘strands’ or ‘blobs’ obstructing their line of vision, become more prevalent with age and occur in approximately 65% of patients by the age of 65. Though many patients grow accustomed to these visual disturbances, others find them bothersome as the floaters reduce contrast sensitivity and quality of life.

The study conducted by Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Massachusetts, USA, from March 2015 to August 2016, investigated if laser vitreolysis is clinically effective in the treatment of patients with symptomatic floaters. Dr. Chirag P. Shah, a retinal surgeon, performed laser vitreolysis using Ellex’s proprietary Ultra Q Reflex™ laser. Fifty-two (52) patients were enrolled in the trial and were randomly assigned to laser vitreolysis or sham YAG (control).

Postoperative assessment found that laser vitreolysis subjectively improves floater-related symptoms and objectively improves floater appearance. In the YAG group, 53% of patients reported significantly or completely improved symptoms, versus 0% of the sham group. Masked photography grading revealed 95% of the YAG group had significantly (50-70% better) or completely (100% better) improved floaters compared with 0% of the sham group. There were no significant adverse events.

The study has been praised by Dr. Paul Singh, who has successfully performed over 2,000 Laser Floater Removal procedures. Dr. Singh commented: “The study found what we know clinically – that the Ultra Q Reflex laser works, and that it is safe. Now, doctors can not only feel confident when they see images and learn about the technology behind the laser, but they can also know that there is a peer-reviewed study to back up the demonstrated safety and efficacy.”

Dr. Singh further remarked on the importance of the use of the Ellex Ultra Q Reflex laser in this study, taking note of the lack of efficacy with previous lasers. He commented that the unique features of the laser allows eye care professionals to “understand the specific illumination and laser energy delivery settings to help with efficiency and efficacy of the procedure.”

Commenting on the significance of the study, Ellex CEO, Tom Spurling said: “The work by Dr. Shah has demonstrated that laser vitreolysis, performed with our proprietary YAG Reflex Technology, is both clinically effective and safe in the treatment of floaters.”

Since making its patented Reflex Technology™ commercially available in 2014, the Ultra Q Reflex™ has become one of Ellex’s fastest growing product lines. Designed specifically for laser vitreolysis, it is the world’s first YAG laser optimized for the treatment of floaters.

ABOUT ELLEX

Ellex is committed to pioneering integrated medical technologies that help eye specialists to better diagnose and treat patients. Over the years, the company has evolved from a small scientific laser company to the leader in developing cutting-edge medical technologies to treat glaucoma, retinal disease primarily caused by diabetes, secondary cataract, vitreous opacities and age-related macular degeneration. Since 1985 Ellex has manufactured and distributed ophthalmic laser and imaging products for use in the fight against blindness. Ellex is constantly pushing the envelope in terms of what ophthalmic technology can accomplish. Today, more than 30,000 Ellex ophthalmic laser and ultrasound systems are in use worldwide.

For more information about Ellex and its products, please visit www.ellex.com.

Media Contact:

Kate Hunt

khunt@ellex.com

Contact Info:
Name: Kate Hunt
Email: khunt@ellex.com
Organization: Ellex, Inc.
Address: 82 Gilbert St., Adelaide, South Australia 5000

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 232526