PURPOSE: Dry eye (DE) remains a persistent challenge despite widespread use of over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating eye drops. Blink Boost, Blink Nourish, and Blink Triple Care are distinct formulations designed to deliver immediate and sustained symptom relief through targeted hydration and ocular surface support. This analysis pools baseline data from three real-world, in-home use studies to explore the characteristics, treatment patterns, and unmet needs of habitual OTC drop users. By understanding patient usage behaviors and perceived gaps in efficacy, this study aims to inform more personalized approaches to DE management.

METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional survey study of self-identified dry eye sufferers. Adult DE sufferers in the US were recruited online from a nationally representative consumer panel. Eligible participants had used over-the-counter artificial tears/lubricants in the prior 6 months, with confirmed DE symptoms documented by ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores at screening. Prescription eye drop users were excluded, along with participants who had undergone ocular surgery within 6 months or were allergic to any formulation of eye drops. Enrolled participants received a masked bottle (unbranded) of drops with instructions to administer a drop(s) in the morning. Participants then completed questionnaires assessing product performance at four timepoints: immediately, then 4, 8, and 10 hours after instillation. The survey instrument measured patient reported outcomes including global symptoms, a set of DE-specific symptoms and satisfaction.

RESULTS: A total of 1,865 adult participants were enrolled across all three studies (N=622 for Blink Boost and Blink Nourish, N=621 for Blink Triple Care). OSDI scores indicated a range of DE symptom severity: about one third each of participants in the overall population had mild, moderate or moderate/severe DE, respectively. Nearly half of participants (46%) had been using OTC drops for 1–5 years, and 24% for over a decade; 35% used their drops "several times a week", and 44% used them at least once per day. 74% of participants stated that they anticipated continued use of their drops for the next 6 months; of those indicated a likelihood of stopping drop use, the main reasons given were lack of need (37%) followed by lack of efficacy (21%), suggesting a significant proportion of patients are not experiencing adequate symptom relief with their habitual eye drops.

CONCLUSION: These real-world findings highlight the impact of dry eye and habitual dry eye drop use. This population was highly resistant to stopping OTC drops, with lack of efficacy a key reason, suggesting the need for tailored symptom management by matching the eye drop characteristics to each patient for optimal outcomes.