Pentax 2008 Annual Report Download - page 24

Decades of research into optical designs and materials have
enabled us to develop a lens with a high refractive index, allowing
it to be thin and pliable enough to fold into an injector system
and deliver through a very small incision. In ophthalmic cataract
surgery, the smaller the incision size the less trauma there is to the
eye and the faster healing occurs. Hoya concentrates its R&D
efforts on developing quality products that are aligned with
patients’ needs. We differentiate ourselves by creating entirely new
and high-value-added products. For example, although IOLs can
improve eyesight that has diminished due to cataracts, they do
not necessarily free patients entirely from eyeglasses. Present-day
IOLs typically have a relatively long focus, making eyeglasses
necessary for close-up viewing. Hoya addressed this situation by
developing multifocal lenses, which feature several focal lengths.
These lenses are currently undergoing clinical testing. We are also
working on simpler methods of IOL insertion.
In addition to IOLs, we are pursuing developments in such
areas as cataract surgery to correct for astigmatism. We will
continue our research in this vein, taking input from
ophthalmologists into account as we work to offer total solutions
in the area of cataract surgery.
Accelerating global IOL market development through
full-fledged business expansion in the North American
market
In the upcoming fiscal year, Hoya expects to receive U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) approval for iSert, its preloaded IOL
system. Accordingly, we are planning aggressive marketing efforts
in North America. A system comprising an IOL injector with a
preinserted lens, iSert is easier to use than previous products and
allows the lens to be inserted through a small incision (2.65mm or
less). For doctors, iSert simplifies surgeries and reduces surgery
times. As the lens itself requires no handling, the iSert system
eradicates the risks of incorrect loading and minimizes the risk of
infection, and the small incision size reduces the potential for
surgically induced astigmatism.
Some forecasts suggest that the value of the U.S. IOL market
will double that of Europe and Japan, combined, by around fiscal
2012. In line with the full-fledged expansion of operations in the
U.S. market, we will conduct product design, engineering and
process and development R&D at three global locations: North
America, Japan and Singapore. We also plan to reinforce our IOL
development.
At the same time, we will continue focusing on expanding our
existing European business and aggressively cultivate emerging
markets, such as China and India.
Hoya continues to develop its business strategies with the aim
of sustaining its double-digit growth. To achieve these targets,
during the next three years we will optimize our supply chain,
spanning product development, manufacturing, distribution and
sales, enhancing quality and cost performance.
Eye Care
Highlights
Pursuing Product Development Based on Advanced
Technologies that Meet Ophthalmologists’ Needs
Policies and Forecasts for the Year Ahead
The iSert IOL injector system
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