ROCHESTER, N.Y.--Bausch & Lomb (NYSE: BOL) reported worldwide net sales of $608.3 million for its second quarter ended June 25, 2005, a 7 percent increase from $566.5 million in the 2004 period, and a gain of 5 percent on a constant-currency basis. Gains were reported in each of the company’s geographic segments and product categories.

For the first six months of 2005, net sales were $1.16 billion, and increased 8 percent, or 5 percent on a constant-currency basis, versus 2004.  First-half earnings per share of $1.44 increased 21 percent from a year ago.

Said Bausch & Lomb chairman and chief executive officer Ronald L. Zarrella, “Given our performance to date, and recognizing that new products and further share gains are expected to accelerate top-line growth in the second half of 2005, we have upwardly revised our outlook for the full year.”

Revenues derived in the U.S. increased to $226.5 million in the second quarter, up less than 1 percent from the prior-year period, and represented 37 percent of total company sales.

B&L also said its board of directors has approved the repurchase of up to an additional two million shares of Bausch & Lomb stock. Consistent with its previous authorization, the company expects to repurchase shares using proceeds from stock option exercises, to partially offset the otherwise dilutive impact of exercise activity.