THIN & LITE 1.74 WITH CRIZAL ALIZÉ EXCLUSIVELY FROM ESSILOR
1.74 High-Index in Varilux Panamic and Single Vision,
Now Available for the First Time in the U.S.

DALLAS -- (September 14, 2005) – Essilor of America, Inc. will once again transform the lens industry with the introduction of Thin & Lite® 1.74, complete with Crizal® AlizéTM, this fall. Available October 10, 2005, Essilor will be the first to offer 1.74 index, the highest index on the market. Thin & Lite 1.74 will be the thinnest and flattest high-index lenses available, making it a marquis lens choice for all patients.

“Essilor is very proud to exclusively offer the highest index lens on the market,” said Mike Daley, president of Essilor Lenses. “Thin & Lite 1.74 lenses exemplify our continued efforts to bring unmatched material quality combined with unparalleled optics now offered in single vision and Varilux® Panamic® both complete with Crizal Alizé. This lens allows Eye Care Professionals to offer premium lenses that add cosmetic benefits in the best ultra high-index lens to their patients.”

Thin & Lite 1.74 delivers the industry’s most advanced optical performance in a flat design while preserving beautiful cosmetic appeal. It uniquely delivers the best of all technologies – material, design and coating. Thin & Lite 1.74 incorporates optical aspheric technology into the lens design which results in a change of dioptric value, reducing optical aberration in the periphery of the lens. Never before has such advanced technology and engineering been offered in the U.S.

This thin, leading-edge lens solution will provide your patients with greater comfort and better performance. Thin & Lite 1.74 with Crizal Alizé will be available through Varilux and Crizal distributors.

Patients will experience ideal optics, cosmetics and comfort with Thin & Light 1.74. Thin & Lite 1.74 is the thinnest lens available on the market, 50 percent thinner than standard CR-39® and ultra lightweight. The lens is flat for ideal cosmetics and patients will experience sharp vision in the center and periphery. Patients with higher prescriptions will greatly appreciate this new, thin, cosmetic look.

Thin & Lite 1.74 lenses are offered in both single vision and Varilux Panamic. All lenses systematically include Crizal Alizé, the #1 recommended brand of AR in the U.S. Crizal Alizé provides unparalleled durability, and unmatched cleanability and smudge resistance giving wearers the clearest vision possible.

Power ranges for the product are: Thin & Lite 1.74 in Varilux Panamic, -20.00 to +8.00 up to a 4.00 cylinder and single vision, -18.00 to +10.00 up to a 4.00 cylinder.

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Varilux, Crizal, Panamic and Thin & Lite are registered trademarks and Alizé is a trademark of Essilor International, S.A.