“Computer Vision Syndrome” Will Drive The Global Dry Eye Medication Market

Changes in lifestyles and rise in sedentary jobs are forcing more people to spend long hours in front of a computer screen, thus driving the demand for the global dry eye medication market. Increasing cases of such dry eyes from excessive time spent on phones and computers has led to the development of the term “digital eye strain” or “computer vision syndrome.” It is increasingly becoming a widespread problem as more and more people are spending hours looking at computers, cellphones, and other electronic devices. According to a survey conducted by the Vision Council, almost 70% of US adults agreed to have experienced some of the symptoms of digital eye strain. It is also found that people who use digital devices blink at a rate that is one-third less than the normal. Hence, this is expected to be a major driver for the dry eye medications market.

The global dry eye medication market is expected to grow from nearly $3,549 million in 2019 to more than $3,907.5 million in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3%.The market is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of around 3.1% to 2025, and by 2030, it is expected to reach around $4,803 million, growing at a CAGR of 2.3%. This growth can also beattributed to factors other than the “digital eye strain,” such as the increasing prevalence of laser surgeries, growing burden of diabetes, andside effects of other medications.

Ophthalmology research has proved a significant link between laser eye surgeries and the prevalence of dry eye disorders. Dry eye is a common side effect after laser vision correction surgeries. It is estimated that almost half of the patients that undergo laser, experience some degree of dry eyes following the procedure. Increasing number of people going in for laser eye surgeries is expected to increase the demand for dry eye medications in the forecast period.

Dry eyes are a comorbidity condition noticed in many diabetes patients. Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body can no longer adequately process blood sugar, and is a major public health problem around the world. Due to restricted blood circulation in the structures of the eye, the nerves, which supply the eye can be damaged, and this leads to the development of dry eyes.

Dry eye side effects resulting from drugs such as beta-blockers, antihistamines, antidepressants, pain relievers, and protein pump inhibitors are also driving the dry eye medication market. Beta-blockers used for the treatment of migraine headaches, hypertension and angina pectoris cause dry eye symptoms by reducing levels of lysozyme, resulting in decreased aqueous production. Also, antihistamines induce dry eye symptoms by alleviating allergic conditions and causing decreased mucous and aqueous production.