STAAR gets CE mark for preloaded aspheric silicone IOL

STAAR Surgical Co. received CE mark approval for its KS-3Ai preloaded IOL injection system with an aspheric optic design. The company will now be allowed to market this IOL for use in cataract surgery in 21 countries. STAAR will begin shipments to distributors this month.

"Our preloaded silicone IOL has grown significantly in international markets, and, as of first quarter 2006, represented 18% of STAAR's total IOL sales," said David Bailey, president and chief executive officer. "We have seen very strong interest from both doctors and distributors in our new aspheric model."

The company expected to launch the lens into international markets this past May. The IOL is not yet approved for use in the United States.