Bausch + Lomb Launches Blink™ NutriTears® Clinically Proven Nutritional Supplement for Dry Eyes in the United States

Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, today announced the U.S. launch of Blink NutriTears, a clinically proven over-the-counter supplement that targets the key root causes of dry eyes, promotes healthy tear production and provides noticeable relief of eye dryness symptoms in as little as two to four weeks.^1,2*

“We offer dry eye sufferers a wide array of options that target the ocular surface, but many consumers are looking for options that go beyond eye drops,” said John Ferris, executive vice president, Consumer, Bausch + Lomb. “With Blink NutriTears, consumers now have a first-of-its-kind clinically proven nutritional supplement that helps hydrate their eyes from within and provides long-lasting relief. It will be an outstanding complement to our growing dry eye portfolio.”*

Approximately 150 million adults experience symptoms of dry eyes in the United States. Once a condition known to traditionally affect adults over the age of 55, dry eyes are impacting a younger demographic of consumers fueled by modern-day factors such as increased digital device use, environmental stressors, anxiety and stress. Nearly 70% of consumers attribute their dry eyes to digital device use.²

Developed in collaboration with eye care and nutritional experts, Blink NutriTears is formulated with a proprietary blend of ingredients, including lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin and vitamin D, which were shown to improve ocular symptom severity and tear film homeostasis. It was also shown to clinically help tears stay on the eyes for 33% longer.¹*

"Blink NutriTears demonstrated consistent positive results across two distinct studies. The clinical results are compelling - within a month, patients achieved statistically significant dry eye symptom relief," said Laura M. Periman, MD, cornea and refractive fellowship trained ocular surface disease expert, and founder and director, Dry Eye Services and Clinical Research, Periman Eye Institute, Seattle. "With its unique formulation, I anticipate Blink NutriTears will become an important addition to dry eye management strategies."

“Ocular wellness, especially for dry eye patients, begins with nutritional support. Blink NutriTears has nutrient-rich ingredients that complement each other and have been shown to address the signs and symptoms of dry eyes,” said Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, founder, Integrative Vision, president, Ocular Wellness & Nutrition Society, and Blink NutriTears clinical study investigator. “I believe Blink NutriTears will be a game-changer for patients who are seeking relief from symptoms of dry eyes.”

Blink NutriTears will be available in the eye care aisle or online at most major retailers nationwide by the end of July. For more information on Blink NutriTears, visit https://www.justblink.com/products/blink-nutritears/.

About Dry Eyes

Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not make enough or the right type of tears. Dry eyes are uncomfortable and can feel different to different people. Common symptoms include pain, dryness, irritation, burning, itching, grittiness, excessive blinking, light sensitivity and blurry vision. Over time, if left untreated, dry eye symptoms can become more severe and impact eye health and vision.³

About the Blink NutriTears Clinical Study

The prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Blink NutriTears in 155 adult participants with mild dry eye symptoms (aged 18–65; median age 42). Participants were randomized to receive one Blink NutriTears or placebo capsule per day for 56 days (eight weeks). Artificial tear use was also recorded. The clinical study met both of its primary endpoints. Participants consuming the once daily Blink NutriTears had significant improvements in tear production, and by day 14, total Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, as well as symptoms and vision domains of the OSDI significantly improved from baseline for participants consuming Blink NutriTears versus placebo.⁴*

About the Blink Brand

Blink is a leading brand that consists of lubricating eye drops for dry eyes and dry contacts, as well as a new clinically proven nutritional supplement. Blink eye drops are formulated to relieve dryness and discomfort in the eyes and work by moisturizing the surface of the eye and providing relief from irritation. Blink NutriTears is formulated with a novel blend of ingredients including lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin and vitamin D, and taken once daily provides noticeable, continuous dry eye symptom relief from the inside out. For more information, visit www.justblink.com.

About Bausch + Lomb

Bausch + Lomb is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world – from birth through every phase of life. Its comprehensive portfolio of approximately 400 products includes contact lenses, lens care products, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Founded in 1853, Bausch + Lomb has a significant global research and development, manufacturing and commercial footprint with approximately 13,000 employees and a presence in nearly 100 countries. Bausch + Lomb is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario with corporate offices in Bridgewater, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.bausch.com and connect with us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which may generally be identified by the use of the words “anticipates,” “hopes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “may,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Bausch + Lomb’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Bausch + Lomb undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.

References

1. Based on a clinical study
2. The 2022 Study of Dry Eye Sufferer: Multi-Sponsor Survey Inc.
3. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye.
4. Gioia, et al. A Novel Multi-Ingredient Supplement Significantly Improves Ocular Symptoms Severity and Tear Production in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: Results from a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Front. Ophthalmol. 2024;4. doi: 10.3389/fopht.2024.1362113.

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