Artificial Tears Market Definition And Segments
Artificial tears are eye drops, gels, or ointments that are used to relieve dryness and irritation of the ocular surface. It is commonly used to treat dry eye syndrome, a condition caused by reduced tear production or increased tear evaporation.
The main types of artificial tears are glycerin tears, cellulose tears, oil-based emulsion tears, polyethylene glycol-based tears, sodium hyaluronate-based artificial tears, and propylene glycol-based tears. Glycerin refers to a component of some artificial tears used to relieve dry, irritated eyes. The various dosages include suspensions, solution, ointment, emulsion, gel, and spray. The various indications include dry eye syndrome, allergies, infections, UV and blue light protection, contact lens moisture retention, and others. These are distributed by various distribution channels such as retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, and ophthalmic stores.
The artificial tears market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Glycerin Tears, Cellulose Tears, Oil-Based Emulsion Tears, Polyethylene Glycol-based Tears, Sodium Hyaluronate Based Artificial Tears, Propylene Glycol-based Tears
2) By Dosage: Suspensions, Solution, Ointment, Emulsion, Gel, Spray
3) By Indication: Dry Eye Syndrome, Allergies, Infections, UV And Blue Light Protection, Contact Lens Moisture Retention, Other Indications
4) By Distribution: Retail Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Ophthalmic Stores
The artificial tears market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.32 billion in 2023 to $3.55 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to aging population, prolonged screen time, healthcare expenditure, shift from prescription to OTC, regulatory changes.
The artificial tears market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.55 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing prevalence of dry eye syndrome, growth in contact lens usage, global urbanization, increasing pollution, e-commerce growth. Major trends in the forecast period include technological advancements, AI and tech integration, partnerships with healthcare providers, integration of natural ingredients, advancements in product formulation, advanced drug delivery systems, sustainable and eco-friendly products.
Artificial Tears Demand Soars As Dry Eye Disease Prevalence Increases
The rising prevalence of dry eye disease is expected to propel the growth of the artificial tear market going forward. Dry eye disease is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality, leading to irritation and discomfort. Artificial tears supplement natural tear production, providing lubrication and relief for dry eyes. For instance, in March 2022, according to a survey of 5,000 respondents by Macquarie University, an Australia-based public research university, among individuals aged 50 and above, 13% (15 out of 120) showed clinical signs of dry eye disease (DED), categorized as 8.2% mild, 2.5% moderate, and 1.6% severe. Additionally, in March 2022, according to Eyes On Eyecare, a US-based digital ophthalmology news provider, the use of prescription and in-office treatments for dry eye disease increased from 5.8% in 2021 to 7.56% in 2022, with prescription treatments like topical steroids rising significantly from 0.9% to 9.1% during the same period. Therefore, the rising prevalence of dry eye disease is driving the growth of the artificial tear market.
Major companies operating in the artificial tears market are Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie Inc., Novartis AG, Abbott Laboratories, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Alcon, Bausch Health Companies Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Lupin Limited, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc., Thea Pharma Inc., OPTIMA pharma GmbH, Sentiss Pharma Pvt. Ltd., VISUfarma B.V., OASIS Medical Inc., Hilco Vision, Similasan Corporation, Eyevance Pharmaceuticals LLC, Nicox S.A., I-MED Pharma Inc., Velocity Pharma LLC
Revolutionizing Eye Care With HydroBoost and PureFlow Bottle Technology
Major companies operating in the artificial tears market are developing products incorporating technologies such as HydroBoost and PureFlow bottle technology to increase their profitability in the market. HydroBoost and PureFlow bottle technology in artificial tears refers to specialized formulations and dispensing mechanisms designed to enhance hydration and sterility in eye lubrication products. For instance, in April 2021, Alcon, a Switzerland-based pharma company, released Systane Hydration Multi-Dose Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops. It features HydroBoost Technology, which offers enhanced hydration and comfort for sensitive, dry eyes and is preservative-free to reduce irritation. The unique PureFlow bottle ensures a sterile, multi-dose formula, making it convenient for frequent use. These drops provide a comprehensive solution for dry eye management and are ideal for aqueous dry eye sufferers, frequent users, and post-surgical patients.
Bausch + Lomb's Strategic Acquisition Of Blink For Enhanced Eye Care Solution
In July 2023, Bausch + Lomb, a Canada-based eye health products company, acquired the Blink products line of Johnson & Johnson for $106.5 million. Through this acquisition, Bausch + Lomb seeks to enhance its portfolio in the over-the-counter (OTC) eye care sector, offering greater consumer convenience and a broader range of eye care solutions. Blink is a US-based pharmaceutical company offering tears lubricating eye drops.
North America was the largest region in the artificial tears market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the artificial tears market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the artificial tears market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The artificial tears market consists of sales of blink tears, soothe XP, genteal tears, and visine tears. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
The artificial tears market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides artificial tears market statistics, including artificial years industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an artificial tears market share, detailed artificial tears market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the artificial years industry. This artificial tears market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.