Bausch & Lomb Introduces Easy-to-Swallow PreserVision Soft Gels.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Bausch & Lomb (NYSE:BOL):

--Available in Original AREDS Formula and a Lutein Formula for Eye Health

--AREDS Formula Only Clinically Proven Eye Vitamin to Reduce Risk of Vision Loss in Age-related Macular Degeneration 

Bausch & Lomb (NYSE: BOL) is introducing two new soft gel versions of its patented eye health nutritional supplement, PreserVision(R), of which the AREDS formula has been clinically proven to battle the leading cause of severe vision loss among Americans aged 65 and older - age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration, a painless retinal disorder, causes a progressive loss of central vision. Nearly 13 million Americans have AMD, according to Prevent Blindness America.

PreserVision Soft Gels AREDS Formula is an easy-to-swallow supplement designed to be taken twice a day while delivering the same levels of vitamins and minerals and all of the health benefits as the original four-tablet-a-day formula.

PreserVision Soft Gels Lutein Formula, with the same easy-to-swallow, twice-a-day dosing, contains the beneficial eye nutrient lutein, which replaces the beta-carotene in the original PreserVision formula. Lutein is added to promote general eye health.

The Bausch & Lomb Ocuvite PreserVision formula, now known as PreserVision AREDS, was the one and only eye vitamin and mineral supplement tested and clinically proven effective in the landmark 10-year National Eye Institute study called AREDS, Age-Related Eye Disease Study. In that study, those who were at the highest risk for developing advanced age-related macular degeneration lowered their risk by about 25 percent when treated with the unique high-potency vitamin and mineral supplement contained in the Bausch & Lomb PreserVision AREDS supplement.(1)

Bausch & Lomb made the AREDS formulation available to consumers as Ocuvite PreserVision nutritional supplements after the results of the ARED study were released in October 2001. It is the No. 1 eye vitamin recommended by vitreoretinal specialists.

In a follow-up study, AREDS researchers estimate that more than 300,000 people most at risk would avoid advanced AMD and its associated vision loss over the next five years if they received high-dose antioxidant and zinc supplements such as those used in the AREDS trials.(2)

Early detection is important and eye care professionals can detect AMD during an eye exam that includes pupil dilation.

About Bausch & Lomb PreserVision(R) AREDS Eye Vitamins

In partnership with the NEI, Bausch & Lomb provided the nutrients and developed the supplement formula used in the ARED study. In addition to its effectiveness at slowing the progression of AMD, the patented PreserVision AREDS eye vitamins also demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability profiles. Side effects were comparable to placebo and there were no clinically significant adverse events associated with the formula's amounts of vitamins C and E and zinc. For more information on AMD and PreserVision eye vitamins, call toll free 1-866-HOPE-AMD or visit www.bausch.com.

NOTES TO REPORTERS AND EDITORS:

Multimedia Available:

RADIO ANR: An audio news release is available today on Audioline, AP Radio and Westwood One Radio. For technical feed information, call Tim Doyle at 414.321.6210.

TV VNR: The video news release about PreserVision Soft Gels AREDS Formula and PreserVision Soft Gels Lutein Formula will be fed today, October 7, from 1-1:29pm ET and tomorrow, October 8, from 10:01-10:15am on INTELSAT A-6 (C-Band), Transponder 16, Downlink Frequency: 4020 (H), Audio: 6.2 & 6.8 MHz. For videotape copies, contact Harbour Media Relations at 518.583.9982 ext. 11. For technical information, today only call 212-790-2355.

The VNR also is available on www.newstream.com

Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers around the world. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical products. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Company is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Bausch & Lomb's 2003 revenues were $2 billion; it employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide and its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information about the Company can be found on the Bausch & Lomb Web site at www.bausch.com. Copyright Bausch & Lomb.

(1) Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. AREDS Report No. 8. Arch Ophthalmology. 2001; 119: 1417-1436.

(2) Bressler NM, Bressler SB, Congdon NG, Ferris FL 3rd, Friedman DS, Klein R, Lindblad AS, Milton RC, Seddon JM; Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. Potential public health impact of Age-Related Eye Disease Study results: AREDS report no. 11. Arch Ophthalmology. 2003; 121(11):1621-1624.

(R)/(TM) denote trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.