Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc. announced that its MEL 80 excimer laser has received premarket approval from the FDA for the treatment of hyperopia. The new indication complements the existing FDA-approved applications of the surgical laser for myopia and astigmatism. Combining optics with advanced excimer laser technology, the MEL 80 is now suitable for the reduction or elimination of naturally occurring hyperopia, or farsightedness. Hyperopia has been difficult to correct with laser surgery, but, according to the company, the new device makes correcting patients’ vision easier and more precise. The MEL 80 has been tested on 189 patients from 22 to 69 years old. A total of 369 eyes were treated. After one year, 148 patients showed uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. The results were presented in March at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in San Diego. Carl Zeiss Meditec supplies medical technology, including complete packages of solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Its products include implants and visualization solutions for microsurgery. For more information, visit: www.meditec.zeiss.com