Bausch + Lomb Announces Significant Results for Novel Dry Eye Supplement

Bausch + Lomb Corporation has announced statistically significant results from a clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel daily nutritional supplement designed to address the symptoms of dry eyes. The supplement, branded as Blink NutriTears, features a proprietary blend of ingredients including lutein, zeaxanthin isomers, curcumin, and vitamin D3. The company expects to launch the supplement in the United States early in the third quarter of 2024.

The clinical study, published in Frontiers in Ophthalmology, met both primary endpoints, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in tear production and participant reports of dry eye symptoms. The study also achieved secondary endpoints, showing significant improvements in tear-film break-up time, osmolarity, ocular surface health, and the presence of an inflammatory marker.

A Growing Concern

Dry eyes are a prevalent ocular surface disorder affecting millions of adults worldwide. The condition, once traditionally associated with adults over the age of 55, is now impacting a younger demographic due to modern-day factors such as increased digital device use, environmental stressors, anxiety, and stress. Nearly 70% of consumers attribute their dry eye symptoms to digital device use.

Key Findings

The prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of NutriTears in 155 adult participants with mild dry eye symptoms. Key findings include:

• Significant improvements in tear production, as measured by change in Schirmer's test scores from baseline compared to placebo to day 56 (week eight) (p<0.001 for both).
• Significant improvements in ocular surface staining, participant-reported symptoms, and the inflammatory marker MMP-9 in participants consuming the daily NutriTears compared to placebo were seen at day 56.
• Significant improvements in participant-reported ocular symptoms of dry eyes and participant experience of the frequency and severity of dry eye symptoms, as assessed by a SPEED questionnaire, were noted by day 14 for participants consuming the daily NutriTears versus placebo (p<0.05 for days 14 and 28) and maintained to day 56 (p<0.001).

Bausch + Lomb's Blink NutriTears is to offer a novel nutritional option that can provide dry eye symptom relief in as little as two to four weeks. The company's commitment to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world is evident in its comprehensive portfolio of products and its dedication to addressing the growing concern of dry eyes.