Ophthalmology and Therapy Publishes Findings Showing Lifestyle-Driven Rise in Ocular Redness and Differentiated Role of LUMIFY®
MWN-AI** Summary
A recent global narrative review published in *Ophthalmology and Therapy* highlights the increasing prevalence of noninfectious ocular redness, driven primarily by modern lifestyle factors such as digital eye strain, dry eye disease, allergies, and environmental exposures. As more individuals work remotely and engage in social media, ocular redness has emerged as both a clinical concern and a quality-of-life issue, affecting comfort and appearance. The study, authored by clinical specialists from nine countries, emphasizes that red eyes can lead to perceptions of decreased health or increased fatigue, influencing patients’ social interactions.
Bausch + Lomb's LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops, containing brimonidine tartrate (0.025%), are presented as a differentiated over-the-counter option in this landscape. LUMIFY's unique mechanism—the selective activation of the ?2-adrenergic receptor—contributes to effective redness reduction without the common drawbacks experienced with traditional decongestants, such as tachyphylaxis and rebound redness. Clinical evidence shows that LUMIFY provides sustained symptom relief over 29 days, addressing user concerns about product longevity and safety.
Additionally, the review acknowledges the introduction of a preservative-free formulation of brimonidine tartrate in 2025, which is equally effective and safe, further meeting the diverse needs of patients seeking aesthetic-driven solutions for ocular redness. This underscores the importance of patient education regarding product selection, particularly given the rise of self-treatment and the potential risks associated with counterfeit remedies.
Mayssa Attar of Bausch + Lomb reinforces that LUMIFY’s evidence-backed safety and efficacy profile differentiates it from competitors, making it a trusted choice for consumers striving for clearer, healthier-looking eyes.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent publication in *Ophthalmology and Therapy* highlights a significant rise in noninfectious ocular redness, largely attributed to lifestyle factors, including digital eye strain, dry eye disease, allergies, and environmental exposures. This trend presents both challenges and opportunities for investors and companies in the ocular health market.
Bausch + Lomb’s LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops, specifically formulated with brimonidine tartrate 0.025%, stands out as a leading over-the-counter solution. Its unique ?2-adrenergic receptor agonist mechanism offers significant advantages, such as avoiding tachyphylaxis over a 29-day usage period and minimizing rebound redness, which are common drawbacks associated with traditional decongestants. The introduction of a preservative-free version of LUMIFY further addresses patient preferences, tapping into the growing demand for safer, effective, and aesthetically pleasing eye care solutions.
As ocular redness is becoming not just a medical concern but a lifestyle issue, the aesthetic impact of red eyes on patient perception and social interaction cannot be overlooked. Companies are thus advised to align their product development strategies with consumer needs for aesthetic-driven solutions that ensure comfort and safety.
Given LUMIFY's established market position, holding over 60% share as the number one doctor-recommended redness reliever, investors may find Bausch + Lomb a promising candidate for long-term growth. The increasing prevalence of ocular redness provides a robust market opportunity, especially as remote work and screen time continue to surge.
In conclusion, stakeholders should closely monitor trends, prioritize consumer education regarding product safety and efficacy, and capitalize on innovative, differentiated products like LUMIFY to enhance their competitive stance in the expanding ocular health market.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- Global review highlights increasing prevalence of noninfectious ocular redness due to digital eye strain, dry eye disease, allergies and environmental exposures
- LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops (brimonidine tartrate 0.025%) are highlighted as a differentiated OTC option due to its highly selective ?2 mechanism, with no tachyphylaxis over 29 days and virtually no rebound redness
- Review also notes a preservative-free formulation of brimonidine tartrate 0.025% showing comparable efficacy, safety and tolerability; Bausch + Lomb introduced LUMIFY Preservative Free Eye Drops in 2025
Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, announced today that Ophthalmology and Therapy published a new global narrative review examining the causes, burden and management of noninfectious conjunctival hyperemia (ocular redness). The review highlights the growing global prevalence of ocular redness driven by digital lifestyles, dry eye, contact lens wear, allergies and environmental factors, reinforcing how ocular redness affects both comfort and appearance. 1
Developed by clinical experts from nine countries, the publication underscores the aesthetic and psychosocial impact of ocular redness, noting that individuals with red eyes may be perceived as less healthy or more fatigued – a concern amplified by video conferencing and social media, which spotlight facial features, including the eyes and the periocular region. The authors also note that ocular redness frequently presents symptoms such as irritation, dryness, itching or foreign-body sensation, contributing to patient discomfort and reduced quality of life.
“Ocular redness is no longer just a clinical concern, it’s a global lifestyle and quality-of-life issue,” said Melissa Toyos, MD, lead author of the review and partner, Toyos Clinic, Nashville, Tenn. “Patients today are seeking effective, safe and aesthetically minded products, which makes understanding the differences in products more important than ever.”
Key clinical insights from the paper:
- Rising prevalence: Noninfectious conjunctival hyperemia is rising worldwide due to digital eye strain, dry eye disease, allergies, contact lens wear and environmental factors
- Limitations of traditional decongestants: Traditional ?1 and mixed ?1/?2 decongestants may provide short-term symptom relief but are prone to tachyphylaxis, rebound redness and shorter duration of effect
- Impact on comfort and appearance: Ocular redness is often accompanied by symptoms such as irritation and dryness, and may adversely affect quality of life due to both discomfort and aesthetic concerns
- Evidence for brimonidine tartrate 0.025%: Brimonidine tartrate 0.025% (LUMIFY Redness Reliever eye drops), a highly selective ?2-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist, demonstrated effective redness reduction with no tachyphylaxis over 29 days and virtually no rebound redness after discontinuation
- Aesthetic-driven OTC use: Patients increasingly seek safe OTC redness-relief products for aesthetic reasons, highlighting the importance of selective mechanisms and favorable safety profiles
- Need for patient education: Global gaps exist in patient awareness and clinical guidance, underscoring the importance of patient education, appropriate OTC product selection and awareness of safety considerations, especially amid increasing global self-treatment and concerns with unsafe or unapproved copycat or counterfeit redness relievers
“This publication reinforces the unique, mechanism-based advantages of LUMIFY,” said Mayssa Attar, senior vice president, Pharmaceuticals and Consumer R&D, Bausch + Lomb. “The evidence supporting selective ?2-AR agonist mechanism clearly differentiates LUMIFY’s established safety and efficacy profile and reflects our commitment to delivering trusted, science-backed products for consumers.”
LUMIFY, formulated with low-dose brimonidine tartrate 0.025%, provides fast, effective redness reduction while avoiding tachyphylaxis and rebound redness associated with traditional decongestants. Its highly selective ?2-AR agonist mechanism primarily constricts venules rather than arterioles, contributing to a favorable safety profile, tolerability and efficacy. Clinical evidence across four trials demonstrated no tachyphylaxis over 29 days and virtually no rebound redness upon discontinuation.
The review also notes a preservative-free formulation of brimonidine tartrate 0.025%, which demonstrated efficacy, safety and tolerability comparable to the original version with virtually no rebound redness. In 2025, Bausch + Lomb introduced LUMIFY Preservative Free Eye Drops in convenient single-use vials, offering patients an additional brimonidine-based option without preservatives.
For more information on LUMIFY and LUMIFY Preservative Free, visit www.lumifyeyes.com .
About Ocular Redness
Ocular redness, or conjunctival hyperemia, is a common condition that occurs when tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged or irritated, causing the eye to appear red or bloodshot. It can be caused by factors such as digital eye strain, dry eye disease, allergies, contact lens wear and environmental irritants. Mild redness can be accompanied by irritation or dryness and can impact comfort, appearance and confidence, prompting many people to seek over-the-counter relief. 2
About LUMIFY Redness Reliever Eye Drops
LUMIFY is a redness reliever like no other. With its novel mechanism of action and favorable safety profile, LUMIFY has redefined the category and become an eye care staple – helping eyes look whiter, brighter and more beautiful. It’s the No. 1 eye doctor-recommended redness reliever eye drop brand and holds more than 60% market share. LUMIFY works in one minute and lasts up to eight hours when used as directed. In 2025, Bausch + Lomb introduced LUMIFY Preservative Free Eye Drops in convenient, single-use vials. For more information, visit www.lumifyeyes.com .
About Bausch + Lomb
Our mission is simple – we help people see better to live better, all over the world. For nearly two centuries we’ve evolved with the changing needs of patients and customers, and our 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, we’re turning bold ideas into better outcomes through passion, perseverance and purpose. Learn more at www.bausch.com and connect with us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , X and YouTube .
References
- Toyos M, Chan CC, Alio JL, Chong KKL, Pek D, Doan S, Sinjab M, Hosny M, Messmer EM, Giannaccare G. “Global Perspectives on Therapy for Noninfectious Conjunctival Hyperemia: A Narrative Review.” Ophthalmology and Therapy. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-026-01310-7 .
- Cleveland Clinic. Red Eye: Causes, Treatment & Prevention. 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17690-red-eye .
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Media Contact:
Kristy Marks
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(908) 927-0683
FAQ**
How does the unique mechanism of action of LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops from Bausch + Lomb Corporation (BLCO) differ from traditional decongestants in terms of effectiveness and side effects?
What market trends are driving the increasing demand for LUMIFY products, particularly in the context of noninfectious ocular redness, and how does Bausch + Lomb Corporation (BLCO) plan to capitalize on these trends?
In what ways does the recent publication in *Ophthalmology and Therapy* validate Bausch + Lomb Corporation (BLCO)'s commitment to innovation in eye health, particularly regarding noninfectious conjunctival hyperemia?
What are the implications of the launch of preservative-free LUMIFY eye drops by Bausch + Lomb Corporation (BLCO) for patient comfort and market share, considering the rising prevalence of digital eye strain and allergies?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE: BLCO).
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