Irvine-based IntraLase Corp. on Wednesday said the Food and Drug Administration approved expanded use of a laser for use in corneal transplants.
The clearance allows IntraLase’s so-called “FS30 femtosecond” laser to be used for deep corneal incisions and the surgical removal required for cornea transplants.
The transplants created with the lasers also may require less suturing and faster visual rehabilitation.
IntraLase F30 laser is the only laser to receive clearance for use in “penetrating keratoplasty,” or corneal transplants.
IntraLase said it also is developing software for these new applications.
The Eye Bank Association of America estimates that more than 32,000 corneal transplants, which aim to correct severe nearsightedness, were performed in the U.S. last year.
Shares of IntraLase closed Wednesday at $17.85, up 3%.
