FDA Approves Bausch & Lomb-R- PureVision-TM- Toric Contact Lens

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--April 7, 2005--Bausch & Lomb (NYSE: BOL) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Bausch & Lomb(R) PureVision(TM) Toric (balafilcon A) visibility tinted contact lens for sale in the United States for vision correction in people with astigmatism.


Made from Bausch & Lomb’s patented silicone hydrogel material, balafilcon A, the PureVision Toric lens is indicated for the correction of refractive ametropia - that is, nearsightedness (myopia) and/or farsightedness (hyperopia) with astigmatism of up to 5.00 diopters.

The Bausch & Lomb PureVision Toric contact lens is designed for monthly replacement, and approved for either daily wear or up to 30-day continuous wear.

The Company plans to introduce the Bausch & Lomb PureVision Toric lens in the United States this summer. The lens is now available in worldwide markets including Europe, Canada and Australia.

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.

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Margaret Graham

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Bausch & Lomb

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