Dry eye syndrome drugs Market Size & Growth [2033]

Dry Eye Syndrome Drugs Market Overview

The Dry Eye Syndrome Drugs Market size was valued at USD 5982.57 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7817.17 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The dry eye syndrome drugs market has witnessed notable developments due to the increasing prevalence of dry eye disease, especially in aging populations and screen-dependent lifestyles. Globally, more than 344 million people were affected by dry eye syndrome in 2023, with Asia-Pacific accounting for approximately 37% of total cases. The use of digital devices is a major factor, with individuals spending an average of 6.4 hours daily on screens, contributing to ocular surface disorders. In 2023, over 125 million units of artificial tears were sold globally, followed by 72 million units of hormone-based eye drops and 48 million units of antibiotic-based drops. North America led the consumption volume with 58 million units, followed by Europe with 47 million units. Increased awareness about ocular health, alongside the growing geriatric population, which surpassed 780 million globally in 2023, has driven consistent demand for dry eye therapies. The market has also seen an uptick in prescription-based products, with 64% of dry eye drugs dispensed through ophthalmologists or optometrists in regulated markets. Meanwhile, over-the-counter formulations accounted for 36%, primarily in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American markets. Custom formulations, driven by specialty ophthalmology clinics, recorded a 19% rise in prescription frequency compared to 2022.

Key Findings

Driver: Increasing screen time among the global population, which reached an average of 6.4 hours per day in 2023, has significantly contributed to rising cases of dry eye syndrome.

Country/Region: North America held the highest share of dry eye syndrome drug consumption in 2023, with 58 million units sold.

Segment: Artificial tears remained the dominant product segment in 2023, with over 125 million units sold globally.

Dry Eye Syndrome Drugs Market Trends

The dry eye syndrome drugs market has been shaped by several major trends. One of the most prominent is the increasing demand for preservative-free eye drops. In 2023, preservative-free formulations accounted for 41% of total artificial tear sales, up from 33% in 2020. This trend is largely driven by rising consumer awareness regarding long-term safety and ocular surface toxicity associated with preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride. Another key trend is the expansion of combination therapies that integrate both anti-inflammatory and lubricating agents. In 2023, over 13 million units of combination products were sold globally, representing a 27% year-on-year increase. These products have gained popularity in treating moderate to severe cases by addressing both symptoms and underlying inflammation. Digital health solutions are also influencing treatment trends. More than 1.4 million patients used mobile health apps in 2023 for dry eye disease management, including medication reminders and symptom tracking. These tools have helped improve patient compliance, particularly in chronic treatment scenarios. Additionally, virtual consultations in ophthalmology increased by 48% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with 63% of such interactions resulting in dry eye diagnoses.

Biologic therapies are emerging as a frontier for drug development. As of December 2023, eight clinical trials were underway globally exploring biologic agents targeting inflammatory pathways in dry eye disease. One monoclonal antibody in Phase III trials demonstrated a 34% improvement in Schirmer test results and a 45% reduction in ocular discomfort scores compared to placebo. Environmental awareness is shaping packaging trends, with 18% of global eye drop packaging transitioning to recyclable or biodegradable materials. Europe led this movement with over 9.3 million units of eco-friendly packaging sold in 2023. This aligns with broader healthcare sustainability efforts seen across ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas. Overall, the market reflects a shift toward holistic treatment strategies, personalized therapies, and sustainable practices. With ongoing research, technological innovation, and greater patient engagement, the dry eye syndrome drugs market is evolving rapidly to address unmet clinical needs.

Dry Eye Syndrome Drugs Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Increasing prevalence of digital eye strain due to prolonged screen usage

The rapid rise in screen time across all age groups is contributing significantly to the global increase in dry eye syndrome cases. In 2023, over 65% of adults reported daily screen time exceeding 6 hours. Among adolescents, 72% of individuals aged 13–19 reported digital engagement of more than 5.5 hours per day. This digital dependence has led to a spike in evaporative dry eye symptoms and has created consistent demand for both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Moreover, working professionals in IT and media sectors have experienced a 23% increase in diagnosed dry eye cases over the past two years. The market is therefore experiencing a surge in demand for protective and palliative drug formulations.

RESTRAINT

Limited awareness in developing markets

Despite high prevalence rates, especially in aging populations in Asia and Africa, dry eye syndrome remains underdiagnosed in many emerging markets. In 2023, less than 39% of affected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia received formal diagnosis or treatment. Furthermore, over-the-counter product usage in these regions remains low, with only 12.5 million units sold across the Middle East and Africa in the past year. Public health initiatives targeting dry eye remain minimal, and lack of ophthalmology infrastructure in rural zones continues to restrict access. These factors hamper wider adoption of dry eye treatment regimens.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in biologics and personalized therapies

Biologics represent a transformative opportunity within the dry eye drugs market. In 2023, three biosimilar programs entered Phase II clinical trials, each targeting inflammatory markers such as IL-1 and TNF-alpha. The success of these trials could potentially lead to safer, more effective alternatives to steroid-based therapies. Additionally, precision medicine is enabling targeted dry eye treatment plans. Genetic profiling and tear film analysis are being used in over 120 ophthalmic centers worldwide to customize prescriptions. The number of personalized dry eye drug prescriptions rose by 28% in 2023, opening new pathways for innovation and long-term disease management.

CHALLENGE

High development and approval costs

Pharmaceutical companies face significant cost barriers in developing dry eye therapies. The average cost of bringing a new ophthalmic drug to market exceeded $300 million in 2023, with regulatory timelines stretching over 5.2 years on average. Furthermore, dry eye syndrome is categorized under multifactorial diseases, making clinical endpoint validation difficult during trials. Regulatory bodies have rejected 22% of Phase III dry eye drug applications over the past five years due to insufficient efficacy data. These hurdles disincentivize investment from smaller biotech firms, consolidating R&D power within only a few major pharmaceutical players.

Dry Eye Syndrome Drugs Market Segmentation

The dry eye syndrome drugs market is segmented by type and application, each segment representing distinct consumption patterns and clinical uses across global healthcare ecosystems. In 2023, artificial tears dominated the market by volume, accounting for 125 million units sold. Hospitals were the leading application sector, dispensing over 68 million units globally.

By Type

Antibiotic drops: primarily used in cases of secondary infections associated with dry eye, reached a global sales volume of 48 million units in 2023. These formulations are often prescribed in post-surgical eye care and were predominantly dispensed in hospital and clinic settings across North America and Europe.
Hormone drops: which help regulate ocular inflammation through hormone analogs like cyclosporine and lifitegrast, saw global sales exceed 72 million units in 2023. Their increasing use in chronic moderate-to-severe dry eye cases has gained traction in personalized treatment regimes.
Artificial: tears continue to hold the largest segmental share with over 125 million units sold. These are widely used for symptomatic relief and are the most accessible treatment option. They represent 58% of total drug units sold across Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

By Application

Hospitals: led the application-based segmentation, dispensing 68 million units in 2023, especially in urban areas with higher access to ophthalmologists. Hospitals serve as a first point of diagnosis and treatment for moderate-to-severe dry eye.
Clinics: accounted for 43 million units sold and have been instrumental in the growth of personalized and outpatient therapies. Specialized eye care clinics are increasingly using hormone-based therapies due to improved diagnostic infrastructure.
Household use: of over-the-counter drugs accounted for 40 million units globally. These include preservative-free artificial tears and lubricating gels. Usage surged in Asia-Pacific, where 22 million units were sold through pharmacy retail channels and e-commerce in 2023.

Dry Eye Syndrome Drugs Market Regional Outlook

North America

continues to lead the dry eye syndrome drugs market in terms of consumption and innovation. In 2023, over 58 million units of dry eye medications were sold across the region, with the United States accounting for 85% of this volume. Canada contributed 9.2 million units, mainly through prescription-based artificial tears and hormone therapies. The region's robust ophthalmology infrastructure includes more than 14,000 practicing optometrists and ophthalmologists, supporting widespread diagnostics and treatment. Furthermore, insurance coverage for prescription eye drops in the U.S. has increased by 11% compared to 2022, further boosting market penetration.

Europe

follows closely with 47 million units of dry eye drugs consumed in 2023. Germany, France, and the UK remain the top contributors. Germany alone distributed 13.5 million units, supported by strong healthcare reimbursement policies and research activities. More than 4.8 million patients across Europe were treated for moderate-to-severe dry eye symptoms in clinical settings in 2023. The European Medicines Agency approved three new dry eye drugs during the year, which led to a 7% increase in therapeutic choices for healthcare providers.

Asia-Pacific

accounted for approximately 37% of global dry eye syndrome cases in 2023, translating to over 50 million drug units sold across the region. China and Japan are the dominant markets, with China dispensing more than 21 million units. Japan has a high aging population, and dry eye prevalence there exceeds 32% in individuals over 60. The market is also witnessing a shift toward preservative-free formulations, which represented 29% of all units sold in Asia-Pacific in 2023.

Middle East & Africa

region, while still emerging, recorded notable growth in 2023 with 12.5 million units sold. South Africa and Saudi Arabia are among the top contributors. In Africa, increasing awareness campaigns led to a 22% rise in dry eye diagnosis rates compared to the previous year. The region also saw a 15% year-over-year increase in imported prescription eye drops, signifying growing reliance on international pharmaceutical brands. Urban centers continue to account for over 76% of drug consumption, reflecting uneven access in rural communities.

List Of Dry Eye Syndrome Drugs Companies

Allergan
Novartis
Santen
Takeda
Otsuka
Eyegate Pharma
Can-Fite BioPharma
Bausch and Lomb
Auven Therapeutics (Celtic)
Bridge Pharma
Cellzome

Allergan: As of 2023, Allergan retained the highest share in the dry eye syndrome drugs market, with over 26 million units sold globally. The company leads in prescription-based artificial tears and hormone drop therapies and maintains partnerships with over 11,000 eye care professionals worldwide.

Novartis: Ranked second in market share, Novartis recorded sales of approximately 22 million units in 2023. Its diverse portfolio includes cyclosporine-based hormone drops and preservative-free artificial tears, distributed in more than 70 countries with a strong emphasis on Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the dry eye syndrome drugs market have intensified, particularly from pharmaceutical giants and biotech startups. In 2023, over $1.1 billion was allocated globally toward R&D initiatives targeting ocular inflammation and tear film dysfunction. North America captured the majority share of this investment, with the U.S. alone accounting for $680 million in ophthalmic drug research, supported by both private equity and government health innovation funds. One notable area of investment is biologic therapies, which saw a 23% year-over-year increase in funding. At least 14 biotech companies globally announced expanded budgets for monoclonal antibody research targeting dry eye symptoms, with five candidates entering Phase II trials in 2023. Additionally, over 90 institutional investors directed capital toward startups focused on artificial tear alternatives, including nanoemulsion-based and lipid-layer formulations. Asia-Pacific has also emerged as a strong hub for clinical trial activity and contract manufacturing. India and China collectively hosted more than 40% of new trial initiations in 2023, with 68 registered studies for dry eye-related compounds. These nations attracted foreign direct investment of over $210 million into ophthalmology-specific contract manufacturing organizations, driven by cost efficiencies and regulatory flexibility. Digital health integration is another growing opportunity. Tele-ophthalmology startups raised $82 million globally in 2023, with 38 new platforms developed to support virtual consultations, prescription management, and AI-based diagnostic tools for dry eye. These platforms saw user base growth of 27% year-over-year, translating into better therapy adherence. Furthermore, government-backed initiatives have created fertile ground for development. In 2023, Europe allocated €97 million in grants under health technology programs to fund dry eye innovation projects, especially in geriatric care facilities. South Korea and Japan launched national strategies for digital eye care, including mobile platforms to monitor dry eye symptoms remotely, with over 2.3 million active users in pilot phases. These multidimensional investments signal a broader market transition toward personalized, technology-integrated dry eye therapies that can address diverse patient demographics and improve long-term outcomes.

New Product Development

Innovation in the dry eye syndrome drugs market accelerated in 2023 and 2024, with over 42 new formulations and delivery systems introduced globally. Among them, 17 were entirely new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that demonstrated improved tear film stability and reduced ocular surface inflammation in clinical trials. These APIs targeted pathways such as interleukin-6 and MAPK, both of which are associated with chronic dry eye symptoms. A significant breakthrough in 2024 was the introduction of a temperature-sensitive gel that transitions into a liquid upon ocular contact, improving drug retention on the eye surface by 64% compared to conventional eye drops. This innovation helped enhance patient compliance and reduce dosage frequency to twice daily from four times previously. It was tested in a Phase III study involving 780 participants across 12 countries and showed a 48% reduction in reported symptoms within four weeks.

The market also saw advancements in microdosing technology. One newly launched device-enabled therapy delivered metered drops at 7 microliters per application, minimizing wastage and improving precision. This system was commercialized in Japan and adopted by over 300 ophthalmology clinics within the first six months of launch. Another development involved the use of lipid nanocarriers, which increased ocular bioavailability by 56% and showed better penetration through the corneal barrier. These nanocarrier-based hormone therapies are now in high demand in Europe and Canada, where more than 1.9 million units were distributed in 2023. Preservative-free multidose containers have also gained traction, with five new packaging formats released in the past year. These containers extend shelf life by up to 45 days post-opening and cater to the growing demand for safer long-term treatment options. Environmental benefits were also emphasized, with over 4.6 million units packaged in biodegradable materials across North America and Europe. Additionally, dual-action eye drops that offer both lubrication and immunomodulatory effects were launched in Q4 2023. These drops combine sodium hyaluronate and tacrolimus in a stable emulsion and were prescribed to over 620,000 patients globally within the first quarter of 2024. Overall, new product development in the dry eye syndrome drugs market is highly focused on improving efficacy, safety, sustainability, and user experience—reflecting evolving patient needs and clinical practice standards.

Five Recent Developments

In May 2025, the U.S. FDA approved Alcon's new dry eye treatment, Tryptyr (acoltremon). This innovative eye drop stimulates corneal sensory nerves to enhance natural tear production and has demonstrated effectiveness from the first day of use. Alcon is preparing for a commercial launch in Q3 2025, aiming to serve approximately 38 million Americans affected by dry eye disease.
In April 2025, Aldeyra Therapeutics received a second FDA rejection for its dry eye drug candidate, reproxalap, due to insufficient efficacy data. The regulatory body recommended an additional well-controlled study to validate the treatment’s effectiveness. Aldeyra intends to resubmit its application following the completion of ongoing trials.
In June 2023, Bausch + Lomb expanded its dry eye product portfolio by acquiring key eye care assets from Novartis for $1.75 billion. The acquisition included the anti-inflammatory eye drop Xiidra, which had recorded global sales of over 480 million units in the previous year, bolstering Bausch + Lomb’s position in the market.
Also in 2023, the FDA approved perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution, branded as Miebo, for treating dry eye disease. This drug offers a novel mechanism by forming a lipid layer on the ocular surface, preventing tear evaporation and improving symptom relief.
In September 2024, the European Medicines Agency authorized Vevizye, a ciclosporin-based dry eye therapy developed by Novaliq GmbH. Designed to offer improved tolerability and efficacy, Vevizye expands immunomodulatory treatment options for European patients experiencing chronic dry eye symptoms.

Report Coverage of Dry Eye Syndrome Drugs Market

The dry eye syndrome drugs market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global landscape, encompassing various facets of the industry. The report's scope includes an in-depth examination of dry eye syndrome, focusing on its etiology, diagnosis, and treatment modalities. It delves into the prevalence of the condition, highlighting the increasing incidence due to factors such as aging populations, environmental conditions, and lifestyle changes. A detailed assessment of the pharmaceutical treatments available for dry eye syndrome is presented, including prescription therapeutics, over-the-counter lubricants, and emerging biologic therapies. The report evaluates the efficacy, safety profiles, and adoption rates of these products. It explores innovations in drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology-based formulations and preservative-free multidose containers, assessing how these advancements enhance patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. The market is segmented based on drug type, application, and distribution channels. Each segment is analyzed for its market share, growth potential, and key trends. The report provides a geographical breakdown of the market, covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. It examines regional market dynamics, including consumption patterns, regulatory frameworks, and healthcare infrastructure. An overview of the competitive environment is included, profiling major players in the market. The report discusses their product portfolios, strategic initiatives, and market positioning. It also offers market forecasts, projecting trends and growth trajectories over the forecast period. Emerging opportunities, potential challenges, and strategic recommendations for stakeholders are identified, equipping industry participants with valuable insights to navigate the evolving dry eye syndrome drugs market effectively.