Artificial tears are over-the-counter eye drops designed to replicate the natural tear film, providing lubrication and relief from dry eye syndrome. They work by supplementing the tear film’s aqueous, lipid, or mucin layers, helping alleviate eye irritation, redness, and discomfort caused by prolonged screen use or contact lens wear.
Artificial Tears Market Overview and Growth Forecast
The global artificial tears market is expected to witness significant growth over the next decade. Valued at US$ 2.98 billion in 2023, the market is projected to reach US$ 4.85 billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 7.2% during 2024–2031. Rising incidences of dry eye conditions, changing lifestyles, and an aging population are key drivers fueling this market.
Dry eye conditions are increasingly prevalent, particularly in developed regions. According to the National Health and Wellness Survey (US, 2020), about 16.4 million people were diagnosed with dry eye. Among adults aged 18–34 years, prevalence increased by 2.7%, while 18.6% of older adults were affected. Women were more prone to dry eye than men, with prevalence rates of 8.8% versus 4.5%, respectively. Similar trends in Europe and Asia Pacific indicate a growing need for effective artificial tear solutions.
Market Drivers
- Growing Geriatric Population
The aging population is a major factor driving demand for artificial tears. By 2050, one in six people worldwide will be over 65 years old, compared to one in eleven in 2019. In North America and Europe, one in four people is projected to be over 65 by 2050. Moreover, the population aged 80 and above is expected to grow from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million by 2050. Aging increases vulnerability to eye conditions such as dry eye, prompting manufacturers to develop products tailored to older adults.
- Technological Advancements and Product Launches
The market is witnessing continuous innovation in product formulations and delivery methods:
- Grafton Optical launched I-DROP MGD Viscoadaptive Tears in March 2020, a preservative-free solution for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
- Alcon introduced SYSTANE HYDRATION Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops to relieve dryness and irritation.
- Allergan released Refresh Relieva lubricant eye drops in October 2019.
- Sun Pharma launched CEQUA in India (April 2023) to treat dry eye disease (DED).
These product innovations, particularly preservative-free and therapeutic formulations, are creating lucrative opportunities for market players.
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Market Segmentation
By Type:
- Cellulose derived tears
- Glycerin derived tears (largest share in 2023)
- Oil-based emulsion tears
- Polyethylene glycol-based tears
- Propylene glycol-based tears
- Sodium hyaluronate-based tears
By Delivery Mode:
- Eye drops
- Ointments
By Application:
- Dry eyes treatment (largest segment in 2023)
- Contact lenses moisture
Regional Insights
North America dominates the market, with the US as the leading contributor due to high dry eye prevalence, growing healthcare expenditure, and availability of advanced eye care products. According to JAMA Internal Medicine, the US government spends over US$ 2 billion annually on dry eye treatment. Europe and Asia Pacific are emerging as high-growth regions due to aging populations and increasing awareness of eye health.
Key Players
The artificial tears market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on product innovation, mergers, and regional expansion:
- Johnson Services, Inc.
- Alcon Inc.
- OASIS Medical
- AbbVie Inc.
- Bayer AG
- Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
- Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
- Bausch Health Companies Inc.
- Akorn Incorporated
- Aurolab
Future Outlook
The artificial tears market is expected to grow steadily through 2031, supported by rising smartphone use, prolonged screen exposure, and lifestyle-related eye disorders. Technological advancements in long-lasting, preservative-free, and multi-functional formulations will enhance efficacy and compliance. Expanding markets in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, combined with strategic collaborations and new product launches, are anticipated to provide significant opportunities for market growth in the coming years.
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