ZEISS Introduces Carat® Advantage
-Clean, clear and durable coating available now-

CHESTER, Va., February 24, 2005 - Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc. today announces its new coating, Carat® Advantage, is available now. Carat Advantage is comprised of anti-reflective Super ET® coating, Foundation® hard coating and topped with the company's new advanced super-hydrophobic coating. When combined, the components provide excellent scratch resistance, superior anti-reflective (AR) performance, and enhanced durability for the lens. In addition, the new super hydrophobic layer of coating repels dirt and water and resists smudges, is smooth to the touch and cleans effortlessly.

"By introducing Carat Advantage, we're able to offer eyecare professionals and patients what they want most: an easy-to-clean AR coating that will last the life of the prescription," said Al Miranda, vice president, System Technology, Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc. "Our test data shows that Carat Advantage is extremely easy to clean, lasts the lifetime of the lens and will enhance the patient's vision."

Traditionally, fluid and dirt particles have gathered on the surface of lenses. That is no longer the case. Now, Carat Advantage makes lenses easier to clean by repelling dirt and grease and resisting smudges. Its outer super-hydrophobic layer is dense and creates a smooth surface that fills the "hills and valleys" inherent in AR coating, ensuring durability and cleanability.

The anti-reflective Zeiss Super ET coating layer of Carat Advantage is a broad band coating which reduces disturbing reflections on lenses; alleviating eye strain and preventing eye fatigue under all lighting conditions and throughout the visible light spectrum. The Zeiss anti-reflective coating allows green light to pass through to the eye enabling the eye to see in sharper detail. Zeiss Super ET received "Best in Lens Treatment" recognition from the Optical Laboratories Association (OLA).

The Foundation super hard coating layer of Carat Advantage provides unrivaled scratch resistance. Foundation makes lenses six times harder than uncoated lenses. In addition to extending the lifetime of a lens, Foundation ultimately offers clearer vision to the eyeglass wearer.

Carat Advantage is also available in the following:
. Carat Advantage Gold - Foundation, Gold ET and the advanced super-hydrophobic coating offers a golden residual reflection.
. Carat Advantage Cool Blue - Foundation, Cool Blue mirror coating and the advanced super-hydrophobic coating offers a fashionable blue mirror coating.
. Carat Advantage Cool Silver - Foundation, Cool Silver mirror coating and the advanced super-hydrophobic coating offers a fashionable silver mirror coating.
. Carat Advantage Cool Gold - Foundation, Cool Gold mirror coating and the advanced super-hydrophobic coating offers a fashionable gold mirror coating.

Carat Advantage is available through participating Zeiss Partner Labs. For more information, visit www.zeiss.com/lenses.