ESSILOR INTRODUCES VARILUX® LIBERTY AIRWEAR® TRANSITIONS® V WITH ESPTM
The first and only Transitions polycarbonate bifocal replacement lens

DALLAS -- (March 10, 2005) – Essilor is unveiling another first in the progressive lens industry with the introduction of Varilux® Liberty Airwear® Transitions® V with ESPTM, the first and only polycarbonate photochromic bifocal replacement lens. Last fall, Essilor introduced Varilux LibertyTM, the first and only progressive lens designed for bifocal conversion. Now, Varilux Liberty Airwear Transitions V gives bifocal wearers a long-awaited answer to the need for a Transitions polycarbonate bifocal lens.

Varilux Liberty Airwear Transitions V provides ample benefits to all patients, especially seniors. The lenses are ideal for those transitioning off bifocals or those accustomed to wearing Transitions lenses, but now need a bifocal replacement lens.

“Essilor is delighted to bring this one-of-a-kind lens to the market,” said Mike Daley, president of Essilor Lenses. “Varilux Liberty Airwear Transitions V is the first and only lens combining polycarbonate performance and photochromic technology targeted toward bifocal wearers from Transitions Optical and Essilor, and we are happy that Eyecare Professionals will be able to better promote healthy vision to patients by offering these advanced photochromic lenses.”

Varilux Liberty features Varilux’s exclusive Instant Reading Power™ – a balanced combination of near vision width, near vision softness and near vision binocularity. Varilux Liberty boasts up to two times more Instant Reading PowerTM than other progressive lenses.

Transitions is the number one recommended photochromic ophthalmic lens on the market and their lenses offer visual acuity, visual comfort and convenient protection from the harmful effects of UV radiation and glare because they adjust to changing light conditions. Together with Crizal or Crizal Alizé, these components create an ideal bifocal replacement lens with the best anti-reflection technology available.

Power range for Liberty Airwear Transitions product: the range is +6.00 to -10.00 up to a -4.00 cylinder. Add power is +0.75 to 3.50. Base curves are: 2.00, 4.00, 5.50, 7.25.

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AirWear®, Crizal® and Varilux® are registered trademarks and AlizéTM is a trademark of Essilor International, S.A.
Instant Reading PowerTM is a trademark of Essilor of America, Inc.
Transitions® is a registered trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.