Bausch & Lomb Receives Approval of Crystalens HD in Quarter Diopter Steps

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Bausch & Lomb announced today
that it has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to
market the Crystalens HD(TM) in quarter diopter steps in the United States.
The Crystalens accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) was first approved by the
FDA in November 2003. Bausch & Lomb made the announcement today in conjunction
with the celebration of the Crystalens HD first anniversary of approval. The
Crystalens HD is the fourth generation of the only FDA approved accommodating
lens and is the number one selling presbyopic channel lens in the U.S.

The surface of the Crystalens HD has been shaped to enhance the depth of focus
with an optical modification. The enhanced optic provides an increased depth
of focus which is designed to improve near vision without compromising
intermediate or distance vision.

Dr. John Hovanesian was a principal investigator in the FDA study. He serves
as clinical instructor at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA, in California
and is in private practice at Harvard Eye Associates in Laguna Hills,
California. "If I were a patient having cataract surgery, I would want an IOL
that projects 100% of available light to a single point of focus in the eye,
and also provides a broad range of distance, intermediate and near vision. The
Crystalens HD is the best available lens to achieve that goal," said Dr.
Hovanesian. "There is no question that the HD is my lens of choice for
presbyopia correction in patients with cataracts. The addition of quarter
diopters will only enhance my ability to target and provide patients the best
possible outcomes with the Crystalens HD."

Quarter diopters will be available for the Crystalens HD for the models HD500
and HD520 in the ranges of 18-22. Bausch & Lomb expects to have the diopters
available in a wider range by the end of the year. "Quarter diopter steps for
the Crystalens 5-0 have been enthusiastically accepted by surgeons, so we have
now added them to the HD model. We still remain the only presbyopic channel
lenses available in the U.S. in quarter diopter steps," said Mike Judy, vice
president of Global Surgical Marketing.

The company will begin shipping the Crystalens HD in the additional diopter
steps on July 16, 2009.

"The approval of Crystalens HD in quarter diopters is Bausch & Lomb's
contribution to the best possible outcomes for our surgeons and patients,"
said Andy Corley, president of Bausch & Lomb Surgical. "We are very proud of
the difference that Crystalens is making in the lifestyles of cataract
patients."
The availability of quarter diopters is another unique distinction that
Crystalens enjoys. Other Crystalens advantages include:
-- Crystalens is the only FDA-approved accommodating lens in the U.S.;
-- Unlike standard IOLs, Crystalens can treat both cataracts and
presbyopia;
-- Crystalens is designed to flex like the eye's natural lens, so
patients can see near, far and everywhere in between;
-- No other replacement lens comes closer to mirroring the natural
focusing
ability of the eye;

-- It can even reduce or eliminate the need for glasses during most
activities.

For more information about the Crystalens, please visit www.crystalens.com.

About Crystalens HD
Crystalens HD is a product developed by Bausch & Lomb. To learn more about
Crystalens HD, please visit www.crystalens.com. The Crystalens Call Center is
1-888-393-6642.

About Bausch & Lomb
Bausch & Lomb is dedicated to bringing visionary ideas to eye health. Its core
businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical
devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. 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, N.Y., and
employs more than 10,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more
than 100 countries. More information is available at www.bausch.com.

Crystalens is a registered trademark of Bausch & Lomb.

SOURCE Bausch & Lomb

Abigail Markward, Director, Marketing Communications, Surgical, Bausch & Lomb,
+1-949-297-3535, Abigail.Markward@bausch.com