FDA Approves Alcon's OPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(R) MPDS

OPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(TM) MPDS contains TEARGLYDE(TM), a unique,powerful wetting system. Recent scientific studies demonstrate thatOPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(TM) MPDS with TEARGLYDE(TM) keeps siliconehydrogel and traditional hydrogel lens surfaces fresh and moistthroughout the lens wearing day. OPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(TM) MPDS islabeled to recondition the lens surface to retain moisture forenhanced comfort.

"Having seen the OPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(TM) MPDS clinical data, Iam extremely impressed with the potential of this contact lens caresystem to change the way the entire industry thinks about lens care,"commented Dr. Walt West, a prominent optometrist. "Alcon has gonebeyond merely cleaning and disinfecting to a level of lensreconditioning that provides patients an opportunity to wear contactlenses more comfortably."

"OPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(TM) MPDS is a significant advancement inthe field of contact lens solutions," said Dr. Ralph Stone, Alcon vicepresident of Consumer Products and Clinical Operations. "Our clinicalresearch clearly demonstrates it was successful in promoting comfortfor contact lens wearers. Additionally, OPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(TM)MPDS increased clinical comfort outcomes in patients who experienceddiscomfort when wearing the most commonly prescribed contact lensmaterials. We expect OPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(TM) MPDS to strengthen ourleadership position in contact lens care."

Alcon, Inc. is the world's leading eye care company with salesexceeding $3.9 billion in 2004. Alcon, which has been dedicated to theophthalmic industry for over 50 years, develops, manufactures andmarkets ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices,contact lens solutions and other vision care products that treatdiseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. For moreinformation on Alcon, Inc., visit the company's Web site atwww.alconinc.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This press releasecontains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the PrivateSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involveknown and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which maycause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materiallydifferent from any future results, performances or achievementsexpressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Thesestatements reflect the views of our management as of the date of thispress release with respect to future events and are based onassumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given theseuncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on theseforward-looking statements. Factors that might cause future results todiffer include, but are not limited to, competition from othermultipurpose disinfecting solutions already on the market or newmultipurpose disinfecting solutions that may reach the market in thefuture, challenges inherent in new product manufacturing andmarketing, litigation risks and government reimbursement, regulationand legislation. You should read this press release with theunderstanding that our actual future results may be materiallydifferent from what we expect. Except to the extent required under thefederal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated bythe Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation topublicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements,whether to reflect new information or future events or circumstancesor otherwise.