FOR RELEASE 2/2/2009, Monday

Bausch & Lomb Survey Shows Astigmats Uninformed About Contact Lens Wear

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A recent survey conducted by Decision Analyst (an independent marketing research firm from Arlington, TX) and sponsored by Bausch & Lomb revealed the prevalence of U.S. consumers who believe they cannot wear contact lenses because of their astigmatism. More than 4 in 10 astigmats believe that their astigmatism is the reason they cannot wear contact lenses. Two-thirds of astigmats who have never worn contact lenses and nearly half of those who have worn contact lenses in the past would be highly motivated to wear lenses if they were available to correct astigmatism.

“I’m surprised that such a large segment of the population is unaware of our ability to correct astigmatism with contact lenses. This is particularly remarkable in light of excellent clinical results and clinical studies that demonstrate today’s astigmatic correcting lenses are quite effective in providing clear, comfortable vision,” comments Thomas G. Quinn, O.D., M.S., a private practitioner from Athens, Ohio and avid lecturer on the subject of toric contact lenses.

A total of 993 vision-corrected astigmatic consumers between the ages of 18 and 49 completed this online survey. 150 respondents had never worn contact lenses and 178 had worn contact lenses in the past.

The survey also found that 7 out of 10 of those who have never worn lenses would be highly motivated to wear contact lenses if they were available, and if their eye care practitioner made the recommendation. Half of previous lens wearers would be motivated to try contact lenses again if they were available.

“I see this as a compelling opportunity for us in the eye care industry,” remarked Dr. Quinn. “Our astigmatic patients have a need, and we have the tools to meet that need successfully. Our job now is to educate the public about the great astigmatic correcting options available today.”

The Bausch &Lomb family of toric lenses - PureVision® Toric and SofLens® Toric contact lenses — deliver excellent vision and utilize the world's #1 selling Lo-Torque® design. To find out more, please visit www.bausch.com.

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About Bausch & Lomb
Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers around the world. Its core businesses include 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, N.Y., and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information about the company can be found at www.bausch.com.

PureVision, SofLens and Lo-Torque are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.