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BAUSCH + LOMB INTRODUCES PRESERVISION® AREDS 2 FORMULA CHEWABLE VITAMINS
The Only Vitamins that Contain the Exact AREDS 2 Formulation Recommended By the National Eye Institute are Now Available in a Convenient, Great-Tasting Chewable Format
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., May 1, 2018 – Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company, today announced the introduction of PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula Chewable vitamins, which were designed to meet the growing consumer preference for chewable tablets,1,2 in a mixed berry flavor. PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula vitamins are the only vitamins that contain the exact levels of six key nutrients recommended by the National Eye Institute (NEI).
“Taking a nutritional supplement such as PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula vitamins, as part of a care plan recommended to patients by their doctors, that includes a healthy diet and exercise, helps to reduce the risk of progression of moderate and advanced AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in Americans age 50 and older,” said Michael J. Cooney, M.D., MBA, Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York. “I am pleased to recommend this convenient new option to my patients; a growing number of whom report difficulty swallowing and have often inquired about the availability of a chewable form of the AREDS 2 Formula vitamins.”
According to independent research, approximately 20% of adults age 50 and older report experiencing some degree of swallowing difficulty, which can impact their ability to take vitamins and supplements important to supporting their health.1,2 Among those with difficulty swallowing, 78% and 65% of consumers surveyed rank ease of administration and not needing water, respectively, as important attributes of chewable pills and contributing factors for increased compliance.1,2
“We are dedicated to providing consumers with products that can address a wide range of their eye health needs,” said Joseph Gordon, president, Consumer Healthcare and Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb. “With the addition of PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula Chewable vitamins to our portfolio, we are able to help more people by offering a convenient new way to make PreserVision part of their eye care routine.”
AMD is characterized by loss of central vision, in one or both eyes. It is estimated that one in five people over the age of 65 will be diagnosed with this disease3 and, as the population ages, that number is expected to increase.4 In its early stages, AMD may not present any symptoms, therefore patients may not think to consult with their eye care professional—leaving opportunity for the condition to advance. It is reported that more than 11 million Americans have AMD5, nine million of whom have been diagnosed with moderate to advanced stage of the condition6. Left untreated, AMD has the potential to lead to severe vision loss or blindness.
PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula Chewable vitamins will be available for purchase in the vitamin aisle at major retailers by June 2018.
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing and restoring people's eyesight. Its core businesses include over-the-counter supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which is available in more than 100 countries.
References
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Advance Health Network Jan 2017. Study Finds 40% of Americans Have Trouble Swallowing Pills. http://nurse-practitioners-and-physician-assistants.advanceweb.com/Web-Extras/Online-Extras/Study-Finds-40-of-Americans-Have-Trouble-Swallowing-Pills.aspx n=679. Leonard, Rebecca. March 2013.
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How Aging Affects Our Swallowing Ability. http://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/how-aging-affects-our-swallowing-ability/.
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American Foundation for the Blind – Aging and Vision Loss Fact Sheet: http://www.afb.org/section.aspx?SectionID=68&TopicID=320&DocumentID=3374&rewrite=0
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Forecasting Age-Related Macular Degeneration Through the Year 2050 — The Potential Impact of New Treatments”. David B. Rein, PhD; John S. Wittenborn, BS; Xinzhi Zhang, MD, PhD; Amanda A. Honeycutt, PhD; Sarah B. Lesesne, BS; Jinan Saaddine, MD, MPH; for the Vision Health Cost-Effectiveness Study Group. Archives of Ophthalmology. 127(4):533-540. April 2009.
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Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the United States. (2004). Archives of Ophthalmology, 122(4), 564. https://doi.org/10.1001/archopht.122.4.564
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American Medical Association. 2004. Arch Ophthalmology/Vol. 11. 567-571
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PreserVision is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
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