Bausch & Lomb Introduces Ocuvite® DF Eye Vitamin Supp...

Bausch & Lomb Introduces Ocuvite® DF Eye Vitamin Supplement for Diabetics

Bausch & Lomb Introduces Ocuvite® DF Eye Vitamin Supplement for Diabetics
June 28, 2007
Business Wire

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bausch & Lomb today introduced its Ocuvite DF eye vitamin supplement, specifically developed for diabetics to help maintain eye health, at the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 110th Annual Congress.

Diabetics face high blood sugar levels that can increase free radicals in the body. The oxidative stress associated with free radicals can in turn play a role in damaging the blood vessels of the eye’s retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This condition is the most common cause of diabetes-related vision loss.

Ocuvite DF contains an antioxidant called genistein, which, in combination with other essential nutrients and antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid, combats free radicals and reduces oxidative stress.

“Mounting scientific evidence suggests that nutritional supplements may be important in protecting general eye health by addressing the shortfalls in Americans’ nutritional intake, especially when the supplements are a part of a balanced, healthy diet,” said Anthony Cavallerano, OD, FAAO, an optometrist at the VA Boston Health Care System and professor of optometry at the New England College of Optometry. “Ocuvite DF is a welcome addition in that fight.”

Ocuvite DF joins Ocuvite Adult and Ocuvite Adult 50+ eye vitamin and mineral supplement formulations currently on the market. It will be widely available across the United States later this summer.

In addition to the Ocuvite DF introduction, Bausch & Lomb is showcasing several other products at the AOA Optometry’s Meeting™ exhibition, including:

* The ReNu MultiPlus® Travel Kit, a two-fluid-ounce version of ReNu MultiPlus multi-purpose solution as well as a new contact lens case; and the Boston Simplus® Travel Kit, a one-fluid-ounce version of Boston Simplus solution plus a new contact lens case. These contact lens solutions comply with the three-ounce Transportation Security Administration (TSA) carry-on limit for liquids. They make air travel more convenient for contact lens wearers, while eliminating the unhealthy practice of transferring sterile multi-purpose solution into a smaller, non-sterile bottle.
* New and improved PureVision® contact lenses, offering a 28-percent lower modulus and a new 8.3 mm base curve, plus enhanced comfort via a smoother anterior surface. Their unique aspheric optical design provides next-generation aberration correction for exceptional vision.
* Alaway™ (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution antihistamine eye drops) is indicated for up to 12 hours of relief for itchy eyes due to ragweed, pollen, grass, animal hair and dander. Alaway, available over the counter, contains the same active ingredient and strength as Zaditor, the former prescription brand of ketotifen fumarate, and is shown to be therapeutically equivalent with a lower retail cost.
* Loteprednol etabonate-based prescription pharmaceuticals, encompassing Lotemax® (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5%) to target ocular inflammation associated with dry eye via a unique, site-active mechanism of action; Zylet® (loteprednol etabonate 0.5% and tobramycin 0.3% ophthalmic suspension), combining the proven anti-inflammatory power of loteprednol etabonate with the broad-spectrum anti-infective agent tobramycin; and Alrex® (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.2%), the first corticosteroid specifically designed for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Bausch & Lomb will also present three posters during the AOA Congress: The Rate of Disinfection Efficacy of Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Care Solutions; Visual Outcomes Associated with Aspheric and Non-Aspheric Silicone Hydrogel Lenses; and PureVision Toric Lenses Piggybacked with Nike MAXSIGHT Amber and Grey-Green Sport Contact Lenses.

The Bausch & Lomb exhibit will run through Saturday, June 30, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers around the world. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical products. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, N.Y. Bausch & Lomb’s 2006 revenues were more than $2.2 billion; it employs more than 13,000 people worldwide and its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information can be found at www.bausch.com.

As with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, Lotemax is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva and in mycobacterial and fungal diseases of the eye. Prolonged use may result in secondary glaucoma, cataract formation, and secondary ocular infections following suppression of the host response and/or perforation of the globe. The most common adverse events in patients treated with Lotemax were abnormal vision/blurring, burning, chemosis, discharge, and dry eyes.

As with other steroid/anti-infective ophthalmic combination drugs, Zylet is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures. Zylet is also contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation and to other corticosteroids. Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma, as well as increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. The incidence of adverse events reported by subjects treated with Zylet included injection (approximately 20%) and superficial punctate keratitis (approximately 15%). The development of secondary infection has occurred after use of combinations containing steroids and antimicrobials. NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. Steroids should be used with caution in the presence of glaucoma. The use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation. If this product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored even though it may be difficult in children and uncooperative patients.

As with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, Alrex is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the corneas and conjunctiva and in mycobacterial and fungal diseases of the eye. Prolonged use of may result in secondary glaucoma, cataract formation, and secondary ocular infections following suppression of the host response and/or perforation of the globe. The most common adverse events in patients treated with Alrex were abnormal vision/blurring, burning, chemosis, discharge, and dry eyes.

Ocuvite, ReNu MultiPlus, Boston Simplus, PureVision, Alaway, Lotemax, Zylet and Alrex are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. Other brands are trademarks of their respective owners.

For Bausch & Lomb
Rachelle Bodnar, 303-634-2671
or
Mike McDougall, APR, 585-338-5469
mmcdougall@bausch.com