Bausch & Lomb PureVision Contact Lens Now Available, Unique Design Helps Correct Spherical Aberration.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Bausch & Lomb PureVision(TM) soft contact lens, now available in the United States, is designed to correct spherical aberration, a condition that researchers estimate effects nearly 70-percent of the population(1), in addition to correcting for nearsightedness and farsightedness. Spherical aberration, a so-called higher order aberration of the eye, may cause halos to appear around light sources in low-light conditions including dawn and dusk.

"The PureVision contact lens is a significant step forward for contact lens wearers," said Dr. Cathy Tibbetts, an optometrist in Farmington, N.M. "Not only do PureVision contact lenses provide a comfortable and healthy lens material to help correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, their enhanced design may help correct a higher order of visual imperfection within the eye that has been known to cause halos in certain conditions. This occurs due to the eye's spherical shape which unevenly focuses images in low-light situations."

Dr. Tibbets is a nationally ranked ultra-marathon runner and adventure racer who requires the best quality of vision possible.

"In a single race I may run hundreds of miles on foot in difficult conditions, so I need high-definition vision including excellent visual quality, comfort and eye health - all three elements are important," said Dr. Tibbetts. "Whether I'm racing in the desert, a rainforest or even in Antarctica, I put PureVision lenses through the torture test every time I compete and they always deliver excellent vision, comfort and health to the point that I now wear them every day."

Bausch & Lomb PureVision lenses are made from balafilcon A, an innovative silicone hydrogel material patented by Bausch & Lomb. PureVision lenses provide a balance of material, design, and surface properties that makes them an ideal option for any contact lens wearer regardless of wearing schedule.

Bausch & Lomb PureVision lenses use AerGel(TM) technology to balance oxygen and water, an important factor in helping to maintain all-day comfort. In addition to comfort, the PureVision lens's silicone hydrogel material is a healthy option regarding corneal edema for contact lens wearers because it allows more oxygen to get to the surface of the eye than traditional hydrogel lens materials.

For more information about Bausch & Lomb PureVision contact lenses, as well as general eye health information please visit www.purevision.com.

NOTES TO REPORTERS AND EDITORS:

Interviews with Dr. Cathy Tibbets may be arranged through Ogilvy Worldwide Public Relations at 1.312.397.6058.

Multimedia Available:

RADIO ANR: An audio news release is available today via AP Radio and Westwood One Radio Networks. For more information call News Broadcast Network at 1-800-920-NEWS.

TV VNR: The video news release about the PureVision lens will be fed two times today, June 23, from 4:30-4:45 AM ET via C-Band, IA 6, Transponder 16, DL 4020 H and again this afternoon from 2-2:15 PM ET via C-Band, IA6, Transponder 19, DL 4080 V. The final feed will occur tomorrow, June 24 from 2-2:15 PM ET via C-Band, IA 6, Transponder 16 DL 4020 H. For hard copy requests and technical information, contact News Broadcast Network at 1-800-920-NEWS.

The VNR also is available on www.newstream.com.

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

(1) Bausch & Lomb, "Monochromatic Aberrations of the Human Eye in a Large Population." Dr. David R. Williams and Ian G. Cox. Wavefront aberrometer measurements of n=109 normal eyes with 5.7mm dilated pupils found an average spherical aberration of 0.15D among 72 percent of sample. Optical Society of America A/Vol. 18, No. 8 August 2001. p. 1793-1803.

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. Founded in 1853, the Company is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Bausch & Lomb's 2004 revenues were $2.2 billion; it employs approximately 12,400 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 Incorporated.