PURPOSE: Dry eye disease (DED), resulting from tear film dysfunction, is associated with ocular irritation and inflammation. The use of nutritional supplements may contribute to the management of DED. This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction, effectiveness, and ease of use of the Blink NutriTears (NT) supplement among adults with dry eye symptoms in an in-home usage test.

METHODS: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by an independent IRB (WIRB/WCG). Adults (≥18 years, US residents) with a healthcare professional diagnosis of dry eye and an OSDI12 score of 12–50 were enrolled by contacting clinicians who treat patients with DED. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy and a prior allergic reaction to nutritional supplements. Thirteen clinicians distributed 100 days of NT to 167 patients. Surveys assessed patient experiences, satisfaction, and perceived efficacy. Data were collected June–September 2025 and analyzed for changes from baseline to Day 56.

RESULTS: 135 patients (78% female, mean age 48 years, mean dry eye diagnosis duration 4 years) completed all four surveys (days 0, 14, 28, and 56). At baseline, 73% agreed supplements were important to their daily routine, but only 40% believed oral supplements could manage dry eyes and 32% preferred oral supplements over topical drops. By Day 56, 77% agreed that supplements were important to their routine (+4%), 75% believed supplements can be effective in managing dry eye (+35%), and 63% preferred oral supplements over drops (+31%). Screen comfort improved: participants reported 1.5 more hours/day of comfortable screen use after 56 days, and 60% (+32% from baseline) said dry eyes rarely or never limited screen time. More respondents reported that dry eyes were no longer disrupting their lives following the 56-day trial: disagreement about quality-of-life impact rose from 11% to 42%, and disagreement about work disruption rose from 14% to 45% (both +31% vs. baseline). By Day 56, 53% agreed their eyes felt comfortable all day (vs. 4% at baseline), and 32% agreed their eyes never felt stressed (vs. 4%). Fewer participants used OTC eye drops by study end, and those who did used them less frequently.

CONCLUSIONS: NT was associated with improved patient-reported outcomes in dry eye symptoms, quality of life, and work productivity. The supplement was well tolerated, easy to use, and led to reduced reliance on OTC eye drops.