Mr. John Ferris reports

BAUSCH + LOMB LAUNCHES PRESERVISION AREDS3 EYE VITAMINS IN THE UNITED STATES

Bausch + Lomb Corp. has launched PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins in the United States. PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins combine the clinically proven AREDS2 nutrients recommended by the NEI (National Eye Institute) to help reduce the risk of moderate to advanced AMD (age-related macular degeneration) progression with a unique B-vitamin complex. Built on decades of leadership in AREDS-based (age-related eye disease study) vitamins, PreserVision AREDS3 is the most advanced PreserVision formula, intended to support a broader range of people, including those in earlier stages.

For decades, nutritional support for AMD has been centred on stage-specific intervention, with clinically proven AREDS2 nutrients serving as a way to help reduce the risk of progression in people with moderate to advanced AMD. PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins build on that scientific foundation by incorporating a proprietary B-vitamin complex informed by decades of research, enabling eye care professionals to initiate nutritional support earlier and engage a broader population.

"AMD affects millions of people, often long before symptoms meaningfully change day-to-day life," said John Ferris, president, consumer, Bausch + Lomb. "Historically, options to support macular health earlier in the condition have been limited. PreserVision AREDS3 reflects decades of research, and our commitment to advancing eye health through science, offering an option for a broader range of people looking to support their macular health."

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, impacting approximately 28 million people in the United States. This progressive condition can impact central vision in one or both eyes, causing people to have difficulty with daily activities like driving, reading or recognizing the faces of loved ones.

PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins build on the trusted AREDS2 nutrients by adding a research-backed, unique B-vitamin complex. The formula is designed to provide triple-action support:

• Protects: AREDS2 nutrients help protect macular health by neutralizing free radicals and replenishing the eyes' natural filter;
• Nourishes: unique B-vitamin complex, containing thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), vitamin B6, biotin (B7), folate (B9) and vitamin B12, which was designed to promote healthy cellular eye function;
• Boosts: formulated to provide two times better absorption of key nutrients.

"Nutritional support for AMD management has to evolve as the science evolves," said Dr. Julie Poteet, OD, MS, CNS. "PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins reflect the most current thinking in nutritional support for macular health, building on the established AREDS2 nutrients and incorporating a unique B-vitamin complex backed by more than two decades of scientific research on B vitamins. That matters in practice, because it gives me greater confidence and flexibility when discussing nutritional options with a broader group of patients, including those in earlier stages."

The development of PreserVision AREDS3 was guided by a growing body of scientific evidence examining the role of certain B vitamins in AMD, including certain studies described in a recently published narrative review in Ophthalmology and Therapy. The review drew on more than two decades of human research, synthesizing findings from more than 20 human studies involving nearly 30,000 individuals, including large randomized clinical trials such as the women's anti-oxidant and folic acid cardiovascular study, which reported a statistically significant association between specific B-vitamin supplementation and reduced AMD risk. This body of evidence helped shape the inclusion of B vitamins in PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins and supports continuing research in this area, including plans for a future long-term clinical trial evaluating the formulation.

Now available

PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins are now available in the eye care aisle or on-line at most retailers nationwide, including Amazon, Target, Walgreens and Walmart.

About PreserVision eye vitamins

PreserVision eye vitamins are the most studied AREDS-based eye vitamin brand, and PreserVision is the No. 1 eye-doctor-recommended AREDS brand. The PreserVision portfolio has been developed through decades of continuing scientific collaboration and research, guided by evolving evidence and continuing study. PreserVision AREDS2 eye vitamins contain the exact nutrient formula recommended by the NEI to help reduce the risk of moderate to advanced AMD progression, and the portfolio now also includes PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins, the company's latest formula designed to build on the AREDS2 nutrients with added B vitamins.

About the AREDS, AREDS2 and 10-year follow-on AREDS2 study results

AREDS and AREDS2 are landmark clinical studies conducted over 20 years by the NEI. The AREDS study in 2001 demonstrated that taking a specific combination of anti-oxidants and zinc could help reduce the risk of progression of AMD in those with moderate to advanced AMD. In 2012, the NEI completed the AREDS2 study, which tested several changes to the formulation, such as adding omega-3 fatty acids, substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, and/or reducing zinc. The current AREDS2 nutrient formula recommended by the NEI is the result of this study.

The NEI 10-year follow-on study results evaluated the long-term results of participants who were involved in the AREDS2 study. Consisting of 3,882 people (6,351 study eyes) with moderate to advanced AMD over a 10-year period, the follow-on study further validates the original findings of the AREDS2 formulation with lutein and zeaxanthin, demonstrating an incremental reduction in risk of the progression to late-stage AMD.

About Bausch + Lomb Corp.

Bausch + Lomb's mission is simple: The company helps people see better to live better, all over the world. For nearly two centuries, Bausch + Lomb has evolved with the changing needs of patients and customers, and the company's commitment to innovation and improving the standard of care in eye health has never been stronger. From contact lenses to prescription products, over-the-counter options, surgical devices and more, Bausch + Lomb is turning bold ideas into better outcomes through passion, perseverance and purpose.