ESSILOR DEBUTS CRIZAL SUN WITH SCOTCHGARD PROTECTOR
The Most Scratch-Resistant, Smudge-Resistant, and Easiest-to-Clean Sun Lenses Available

DALLAS – (March 27, 2009) – Essilor of America, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of optical lenses, announces the launch of Crizal Sun™ lenses with Scotchgard™ Protector. Essilor has combined the superior performance of Crizal Sun with the protective power of Scotchgard Protector, making these sun lenses the most scratch-resistant, smudge-resistant, easiest-to-clean sun lenses available for the utmost clarity and comfort.

Patients generally wear sunwear during conditions and activities when safety and performance are critical. Preventing distractions like scratches and smudges during sports and while driving improves wearer safety and performance. And now eyecare professionals (ECPs) can provide patients with all the scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant benefits of Crizal Sun with Scotchgard Protector.

“We’re excited to debut this state of- the-art lens that optimizes vision during outdoor activities,” said Carl Bracy, vice president of marketing for Essilor of America. “As a part of our partnership with eyecare professionals, Essilor strives to best meet the growing needs of patients with industry-leading products like Crizal Sun lenses with Scotchgard Protector.”

Essilor engineered Crizal Sun lenses with Scotchgard Protector to be easier to clean and stay clean. The patented HSD Process has now been applied to New Crizal Sun lenses with Scotchgard Protector, which forces the molecules in the top coat to be packed together very densely, giving strength and uniformity to the surface of the lens. This creates a higher surface contact angle and gives the top coat the durability that prevents it from breaking down, even after 20,000 cleanings.

The contact angle of Crizal Sun lenses with Scotchgard Protector has been increased to 116 degrees, far higher than any other sun lens available. With Crizal Sun lenses with Scotchgard Protector, vision in sunny conditions is clearer and more comfortable. Over 99 percent of the reflections and glare from the back of the lens are virtually eliminated so patient’s eyes do not have to work as hard to see on sunny days.

The proprietary Crizal Sun process prevents unwanted color changes to tinted lenses. Crizal Sun lenses with Scotchgard Protector can be added to tinted and polarized lenses. Patients can choose from brown, grey, grey-green and black tints as well as silver, blue and gold mirrored lenses. For peak performance, Essilor recommends Crizal Sun with Scotchgard Protector on Xperio polarized lenses.

For more information on Crizal lenses, please visit www.essilorusa.com or www.crizalsun.com.

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Varilux, Crizal and DEFINITY are registered trademarks and Crizal Sun and Xperio are trademarks of Essilor International. Thin&Lite is a registered trademark of Essilor of America, Inc. Scotchgard is a trademark of 3M. Used under license.