Canadian eye health products company Bausch + Lomb has announced the launch of Blink NutriTears, its clinically proven over-the-counter nutritional supplement in the US.
It was developed in collaboration with eye care and nutritional experts, and formulated with a unique blend of ingredients, lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin, and vitamin D.
The ingredients were shown to improve the severity of ocular symptoms, and tear film homeostasis, and to clinically help tears stay in the eyes for 33% longer.
Bausch + Lomb consumer executive vice president John Ferris said: “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.
“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.”
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.
The most common symptoms include pain, dryness, irritation, burning, itching, grittiness, excessive blinking, light sensitivity, and blurry vision.
If left untreated, dry eye symptoms can become more severe and impact eye health and vision.
A prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Blink NutriTears in 155 adult participants with mild dry eye symptoms.
In the study, the participants were randomised to receive one Blink NutriTears or placebo capsule per day for 56 days (eight weeks), with artificial tear use also recorded.
The clinical study met both primary endpoints, with participants taking the once-daily Blink NutriTears had significant improvements in tear production.
Furthermore, the supplement significantly improved total Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, along with symptoms and vision domains of the OSDI, compared to placebo.
Periman Eye Institute founder and dry eye services and clinical research director Laura Periman said: “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.
“With its unique formulation, I anticipate Blink NutriTears will become an important addition to dry eye management strategies.”
Blink NutriTears clinical study investigator Neda Gioia said: “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.”
