What is Blink NutriTears, and how does it help address the root causes of dry eyes while promoting healthy tear production?
Blink NutriTears is a once-daily nutritional supplement designed to provide relief from dry eyes by increasing natural tear production. The proprietary formulation includes a combination of ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties including curcumin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin D, each playing a unique role to hydrate eyes from within.
By targeting the pathways associated with dry eye symptoms, Blink NutriTears helps to restore tear film and improve overall eye comfort. The supplement serves as an innovative complement to conventional treatments, offering consumers a different approach to managing dry eyes while improving tear quality over time.
Bausch + Lomb recently acquired the Blink over-the-counter eye drops from Johnson & Johnson Vision for $105 million. How does this deal expand your consumer eye portfolio, and what was the strategy behind it?
Bausch + Lomb is a market leader in eye health products both in the United States and globally. Expanding our presence in the dry eye category has long been a strategic priority, given that over 150 million Americans experience symptoms of dry eyes—a condition that has grown significantly due to increased digital screen exposure.
The acquisition of the Blink brand provided a strong foundation for expanding our presence in the dry eye market. Blink is a doctor-recommended brand, making it an ideal platform for introducing new products and further strengthening our commitment to eye health.
Since over-the-counter products are often the first choice for consumers seeking relief from dry eye symptoms, this acquisition enabled us to offer a wider range of options for both consumers and eye care professionals, while continuing our legacy of providing high-quality, scientifically backed products.
A clinical study published in Frontiers in Ophthalmology examined the efficacy of a nutritional supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin, and vitamin D3 in improving tear production and alleviating dry eyes. What were the key findings of this study?
The study evaluated the once-daily supplement containing curcumin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin D, measuring its impact on dry eyes and inflammation levels . One of the key findings was a reduction in MMP9, an inflammatory marker associated with dry eyes, after 56 days of supplementation, demonstrating the product’s ability to target the root causes of dry eyes. .
Additionally, the study assessed tear volume and quality, showing improvements as early as day 14 and continuing through the 56-day period. Patients also reported significant reductions in dry eye symptoms over time. These findings reinforce Blink NutriTears as a viable, over-the-counter option for managing dry eye symptoms with clinically proven benefits.
Looking ahead, what do you anticipate for the next few years, and what are the key challenges you foresee?
Consumers are increasingly seeking to take control of their own health and wellness, with a growing demand for personalized solutions tailored to their specific needs. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for companies like Bausch + Lomb to develop innovative, customizable eye care products that empower consumers.
One of our initiatives involves leveraging digital platforms to enable consumers to assess their own symptoms and select personalized eye health solutions. We are currently developing a supplement platform that will allow users to curate their own formulations based on individual eye health needs.
Furthermore, one of the key challenges is the overwhelming volume of health information available to consumers. While some of this content is high quality, much of it is unfortunately unreliable. As we move forward, it’s crucial that consumers have access to scientifically validated and trustworthy information to make informed decisions about their health.
Technology and data management are playing an increasingly significant role in healthcare innovation. How does Bausch + Lomb see digital technology influencing the future of eye care?
Digital technology is transforming healthcare, and eye care is no exception. Increased screen usage has contributed to a rise in digital eye strain and dry eye symptoms, creating a greater need for targeted solutions. At Bausch + Lomb, we are exploring ways to help consumers better understand their digital media consumption and its impact on their eye health.
We are also investigating how digital tools can facilitate self-monitoring and proactive eye care management. By providing consumers with real-time insights into their eye health and potential symptoms, we aim to empower them to take preventative measures, whether through lifestyle adjustments or targeted products. This digital integration is an exciting frontier for us, and we see significant potential in combining technology with our product offerings to enhance consumer engagement and health outcomes.
With the vast amount of health information available online, how can consumers distinguish between credible sources and misleading content? How does Bausch + Lomb help guide consumers in this space?
Consumers need to be proactive in verifying the sources of their health information, ensuring they rely on scientifically validated and evidence-based data. With the rise of AI-driven tools, individuals have more opportunities to cross-check information and assess credibility.
At Bausch + Lomb, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity. By ensuring that our products are rooted in science, we build trust with our audience. We also recognize the evolving landscape of influence—many consumers today turn to social media and online influencers for health advice. Rather than resisting this shift, we engage with reputable influencers to ensure that accurate, science-backed information reaches consumers in the digital spaces they frequent.
As Executive Vice President at Bausch + Lomb, how have you contributed to the expansion of the company’s consumer health segment, particularly in the development and marketing of innovative eye care solutions?
My primary role as an executive leader is to empower my team to serve our customers and patients effectively. One of the most notable examples is our strategy for addressing the symptoms of dry eye. Recognizing the significant unmet need in this space, we identified an opportunity to introduce a clinically backed supplement as a complement to any dry eye management plan.
When a team member brought forward the concept for Blink NutriTears, I championed the idea and accelerated its development. While the typical cycle time for bringing a new supplement to market is 18 months, we compressed it to just 8 months, ensuring that consumers could access this innovative product as soon as possible. My role is to recognize breakthrough opportunities and leverage the full power of Bausch + Lomb to bring them to market efficiently.
On a personal level, do you use eye care products yourself?
I had been an eye drop-averse consumer until we introduced LUMIFY, our redness reliever eye drop, which helps eyes look whiter and brighter. Since its launch, I’ve used it frequently. Additionally, I have been using Blink NutriTears for about nine months, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my eye comfort. Previously, after long workdays staring at screens, my eyes would feel tired and gritty—a common symptom of dry eyes. Since incorporating Blink NutriTears into my routine, I’ve found relief, making me a firm believer in the product’s efficacy.
What more do you think could be done in your industry? What is missing?
There is a significant opportunity to integrate digital technology with over-the-counter healthcare products. Data-driven insights can empower consumers to track their own health metrics and connect them with the most suitable products and treatments. By creating digitally connected health products, we can bridge the gap between data and action, making it easier for individuals to manage their eye health proactively.
For decades, the over-the-counter healthcare and nutritional supplement industries have focused on physical products. Moving forward, we see a major opportunity to combine digital experiences with product offerings, allowing consumers to engage with their health in more meaningful and personalized ways. Many companies are beginning to explore this space, and we anticipate rapid advancements in the coming years.
