Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2032

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Industry Prospective:

The global dry eye syndrome treatment market size was worth around USD 7.60 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 13.53 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.60% between 2024 and 2032.

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Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Overview

Dry eye syndrome treatment refers to a range of medical processes and drugs used for treating common medical conditions related to dry eyes. The disease is caused when the eyes are unable to produce enough lubrication. Instability and inadequacy of tears can be caused by several factors.

For instance, dry eyes can occur due to poor quality tears or if enough tears are also not produced. This further leads to damage and inflammability of the surface of the eyes. Patients may face burns or stings making them uncomfortable. In addition, dry eyes can also be induced due to external conditions such as traveling in an aircraft or air-conditioned room.

Furthermore, it is also caused due to excessive computer screens. Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include eye redness, sensitivity to light, stringy mucus in and around the eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses, eye fatigue, and difficulty with nighttime driving. Medical professionals recommend visiting a doctor in case the signs persist for a longer duration.

Furthermore, the syndrome can be treated using eye drops or doctors may prescribe medicines in case the condition has reached a relatively serious stage. During the forecast period, the dry eye syndrome treatment industry is expected to generate extensive revenue with an increasing number of patients.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global dry eye syndrome treatment market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.60% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global dry eye syndrome treatment market size was valued at around USD 7.60 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.53 billion by 2032.
• The dry eye syndrome treatment market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing screen time among the general population.
• Based on type, the evaporative dry eye syndrome segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on product, the artificial segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, North America is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing screen time among the general population to drive the market demand rate

The global dry eye syndrome market is expected to be led by the rising rate of excessive screen time among the general population.

According to market research, social media addiction is a common trend among people of all genders and age groups. According to a team of researchers belonging to the University of Michigan, more than 210 million people worldwide are addicted to the internet and social media.

Furthermore, McAfee security company has recently coined a term called Zombie Scrolling Syndrome. It is used for describing the effects of cell phone addiction and mindless scrolling on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram. The growing access to smart consumer electronics, such as laptops, smart phones, and tablets, along with the availability of affordable internet connections, is further expected to encourage more people toward cell phone addiction.

In addition to this, the population of the working class has increased over the years. A large portion of the working population is employed on desk jobs facilitated by laptops and computers. Market analysis suggests that an average worker spends more than 6 hours per day on laptops and desktops amounting to over 1600 hours annually. One of the major reasons for dry eye syndrome is excessive screen time. Furthermore, irregular blinking especially during screen time can also lead to eye irritation and dryness.

Increased investments in developing eye care facilities and ecosystems to generate market revenue

The revenue in the global dry eye syndrome treatment market is expected to deliver improved results due to the rising investments in the development of more robust eye care facilities and overall medical care.

In November 2024, Eye Health America (EHA), a leading platform of eye care in the US, announced a strategic partnership with Bowden Eye & Associates, a famous ophthalmology practice based in Florida. EHA is focusing on delivering cutting-edge solutions to the citizens with such partnerships.

Furthermore, increasing government support to increase access to affordable eye treatment and check-ups will fuel the market expansion rate in the coming years.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Restraints

Limited awareness among the general population acts as a growth barrier during the forecast period

The global dry eye syndrome treatment industry is expected to be restricted due to the limited awareness among the general population. Dry eye symptoms can be easily misinterpreted for other conditions.

In addition, patients may try home remedies to treat basic eye discomfort such as itchiness or redness. Medicines for treating common symptoms are generally available through over-the-counter (OTC) methods and patients may avoid going for professional help in case they can access the OTC drugs.

Furthermore, healthcare infrastructure in a large number of countries is currently crumbling due to a lack of sufficient doctors and healthcare facilities further affecting the market.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Opportunities

Increasing the launch of new drugs and treatments to generate new expansion opportunities

The global dry eye syndrome treatment market is projected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising launch of new drugs and treatments. According to industry research, scientists and pharmaceutical companies have increased spending on developing new treatment methods, including topical medicines and more advanced therapies, to treat dry eye syndrome.

For instance, the US Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) authority has currently authorized several treatments for dry eyes including the use of perfluorooctane (Miebo) which was approved in 2023, and Lifitegrast (Xiidra) which belongs to a class of effective drugs.

Furthermore, the industry is also registering a rise in the number of ongoing trials for treating dry eye syndrome. The latest update for a recent phase-2 trial aims to understand the efficacy and safety of YP-P10 Ophthalmic Solution against placebo for treating symptoms and signs of dry eyes.

In January 2024, Alcon, another leading player in the market, announced positive results from the phase 3 clinical trials for AR-15512 which is expected to be used for managing and treating dry eyes.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Challenges

Regulatory challenges and lack of standard treatments complicate the market growth trajectory

The global dry eye syndrome treatment industry is expected to be challenged by the regulatory complexities associated with the industry. Drugs and treatments worldwide are subject to approval from regional regulatory authorities.

Obtaining authorizations can be time-consuming resulting in a limited market growth rate. In addition to this, the lack of standard treatments and drugs for treating dry eyes can further complicate the growth rate in the coming years.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Report Scope

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Segmentation

The global dry eye syndrome treatment market is segmented based on type, drugs, product, distribution channel, and region.

Based on the type, the global market segments are aqueous deficient dry eye syndrome and evaporative dry eye syndrome. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the evaporative dry eye syndrome segment. According to official statistics, more than 79% of people with dry eyes suffer from evaporative form. This dry eye type is caused by excessive evaporation of tears and is linked to the tear film's lipid (oil) layer. Some of the underlying causes of the disease include prolonged use of contact lenses, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), and certain medications.

Based on drugs, the global dry eye syndrome treatment industry is divided into eysuvis, tyrvaya, cequa, restasis, xiidra, and others.

Based on the product, the global market divisions are oral omega supplements, punctal plugs, topical corticosteroids, cyclosporine, artificial tears, and others. In 2023, the highest revenue-generating segment was artificial tears. It held control over 43.02% of the overall revenue and during the forecast period, it will continue to dominate the market. These drugs are available over the counter and are highly efficient in lubricating the eyes. Furthermore, they also provide extensive support to overall eye care leading to segmental revenue.

Based on distribution channels, the global market divisions are online pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and retail pharmacies.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Regional Analysis

North America to deliver the highest result during the forecast period

The global dry eye syndrome treatment market will be led by North America during the forecast period. In 2023, it dominated nearly 42.05% of the global revenue driven by several positive factors. For instance, healthcare infrastructure in the US and Canada is exceptionally well-established.

Furthermore, patient awareness in North America is equally high allowing them to get medical assistance as early as possible. The presence of a wide number of novel treatments has further helped the region thrive in the last few years.

For instance, in 2023, the US FDA announced the approval of perfluorohexyl octane (MIEBO) which was previously known as NOV03. The drug is a first-in-class ophthalmic medicine for treating dry eye-related symptoms with meibomian gland dysfunction. The medicine is known to directly target evaporation.

Europe is another leading market with exceptional revenue. The growing prevalence of dry eye syndrome across major European countries is fueling regional revenue. In addition to this, the rising geriatric population and dry eyes causing other medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, will create more regional market growth revenue. Europe has increased its spending on healthcare investments and it is expected to create higher access to eye care treatments among the regional population.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market: Competitive Analysis

The global dry eye syndrome treatment market is led by players like:

• Novartis AG
• Akorn Operating Company LLC
• Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
• Johnson & Johnson Vision
• Allergan plc
• Sight Sciences
• Alimera Sciences
• Alcon Inc.
• Auven Therapeutics
• Viatris Inc.
• Bausch + Lomb Incorporated
• Nicox S.A.
• AbbVie Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

The global dry eye syndrome treatment market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Syndrome
• Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome

By Drugs

• Eysuvis
• Tyrvaya
• Cequa
• Restasis
• Xiidra
• Others

By Product

• Oral Omega Supplements
• Punctal Plugs
• Topical Corticosteroids
• Cyclosporine
• Artificial Tears
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa