SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 14 -- VISX Inc. announced that Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare has approved the company's Star S2 Smoothscan excimer laser system for use in the treatment in Japan of myopia with astigmatism. Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser vision correction and the excimer laser system began in that country in early 1993.Mark Logan, VISX chairman and CEO, said, We are delighted with this news. Our largest installed base outside of the US is in the Far East. Approval in Japan expands our reach and provides access to the second-largest market for vision correction in the world.