Bausch + Lomb Corporation, a leading global eye health company, announced an affiliate has purchased the Blink product line of eye and contact lens drops from Johnson & Johnson Vision.The strategic acquisition is the latest example of the company’s commitment to increasing over-the-counter (OTC) consumer convenience in eye care.

“There’s a growing need for relieving the symptoms of dry eyes and dry contact lenses, and OTC products are often the first option consumers choose,” said John Ferris, executive vice president, Consumer, Bausch + Lomb. “The addition of Blink expands our robust portfolio of OTC eye care brands, enabling us to provide more choices for consumers and eye care professionals.”

According to a 2022 Gallup Study, 57% of American adults report suffering from eye dryness, and of them, nearly half (48%) use OTC lubricant drops to obtain relief. The incidence is increasing, with a strong correlation between the amount of time spent on digital devices and reported dry eyes. In addition, contact lens discomfort and contact lens dryness impacts a third of the 45 million contact lens wearers in the United States.