FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., Mar 14, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Oakley Inc. (NYSE:OO) today announced the upcoming release of four new eyewear designs that will expand its successful line of ophthalmic-specific frames.

Engineered to offer an extended range of prescription correction, the new releases combine unique sculptural aesthetics with proprietary innovations in material and structural technologies.

"We are very excited about the continued momentum of our prescription eyewear category. Last year marked the third consecutive year that our prescription business achieved double or better growth, accounting for close to $25 million of our total sales," said Oakley's chief operating officer Link Newcomb.

The first of the new ophthalmic-specific frames, O Wire is composed of the company's C-5 performance alloy. Five metal compounds are superheated to render the proprietary blend, formulated for an unrivaled strength-to-weight ratio. The material allows Oakley to produce durable, lightweight metal frames that offer all-day comfort. For O Wire, the C-5 alloy is sculpted into uniquely dimensional earstems and a monolithic chassis that comprises the lens orbitals and nose bridge. Custom-engineered spring hinges maintain a secure fit, and soft Unobtainium(R) earsocks increase grip with moisture.

Three additional frame designs are part of a new line of ophthalmic-specific eyewear that utilizes Rx O Matter(R) frame material. The durable synthetic is engineered to maximize comfort by minimizing weight while retaining the structural integrity demanded by precision optics. In Oakley's new Sine, Cosine and Tangent frames, lens orbitals are flanked by cleats of C-5 alloy that anchor sculptural hinges. The proprietary metal extends into linear earstems of Rx O Matter(R).

To compliment these frames, Oakley produces prescription lenses with optical clarity that exceeds industry standards. The company's durable, lightweight Plutonite(R) lens material inherently blocks 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light. Available options include polarization, clear lenses with anti-reflective coating and a full range of hues including Iridium(R) lens coatings that tune contrast for any light condition.

Oakley O Wire ophthalmic-specific frames will be available in three optional hues: Steel Blue, Rust and Gunmetal. The suggested retail price of O Wire is US$225. Sine frames will be available in optional hues of Blue Velvet, Black Cherry and Rootbeer. Optional hues for Cosine will be Jet Black, Rootbeer and Blue Metal, and four hue options are slated for Tangent: Black Cherry, Amber, Tortoise and Lava. Oakley's new Sine, Cosine and Tangent frames each have a suggested retail price of US$170.

About Oakley Inc.

Oakley: An original, unexpected and innovative world brand. Building on its legacy of market-leading sunglasses, the company offers expanding lines of premium performance footwear, apparel, accessories, watches and prescription eyewear to consumers in more than 70 countries.

Trailing 12-month net sales through Dec. 31, 2001 totaled $429.3 million and generated net income of $50.4 million -- an 11.7 percent net margin.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff