Artificial Tears Market Report 2025

This report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.

The artificial tears market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.55 billion in 2024 to $3.78 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. 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 $4.86 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. 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.

The escalating prevalence of dry eye disease is poised to fuel the expansion of the artificial tear market in the foreseeable future. Dry eye disease, characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, results in discomfort and irritation. Artificial tears serve as a vital solution by supplementing natural tear production, offering lubrication and relief for dry eyes. For instance, a survey conducted by Macquarie University in March 2022 revealed that among individuals aged 50 and above, 13% exhibited clinical signs of dry eye disease (DED), with varying severity levels. Additionally, data from Eyes On Eyecare indicated a notable increase in the utilization of prescription and in-office treatments for dry eye disease, underscoring the growing recognition and management of this condition. Consequently, the mounting prevalence of dry eye disease acts as a key driver propelling the growth of the artificial tear market.

Major companies in the artificial tears market are developing products that integrate technologies like patented PureFlow technology to improve product safety and usability. PureFlow technology is a specialized delivery system featuring a one-way valve that ensures sterile dispensing of preservative-free eye drops, preventing contamination and preserving the product's integrity. For example, in January 2022, Alcon Inc., a Switzerland-based medical device and pharmaceutical company, introduced Systane Complete Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops. These advanced artificial tears are formulated to alleviate symptoms of all major types of dry eye, including evaporative dry eye and aqueous tear deficiency. As a preservative-free solution, they offer up to eight hours of lasting relief by hydrating and protecting all layers of the tear film. The drops, using nano-droplet technology, provide rapid hydration to the eye surface, reducing tear evaporation and delivering quick, effective comfort. Packaged in a convenient multi-dose bottle with PureFlow technology, the design ensures safety by preventing contamination, making it ideal for regular users and those with sensitive eyes.

In July 2023, Bausch + Lomb, a prominent eye health products company headquartered in Canada, completed the acquisition of Johnson & Johnson's Blink product line for $106.5 million. This strategic acquisition is aimed at strengthening Bausch + Lomb's presence in the over-the-counter (OTC) eye care market segment, enabling the company to provide consumers with enhanced convenience and a wider array of eye care solutions. The Blink product line, originating from a US-based pharmaceutical company, specializes in tears lubricating eye drops.

Major companies operating in the artificial tears market report 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.

North America was the largest region in the artificial tears market in 2024. 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).

Artificial tears are solutions, gels, or ointments designed to alleviate dryness and discomfort of the eye surface. They are commonly utilized in managing dry eye syndrome, a condition triggered by reduced tear production or increased tear evaporation.

The primary types of artificial tears include glycerin tears, cellulose tears, oil-based emulsion tears, polyethylene glycol-based tears, sodium hyaluronate-based artificial tears, and propylene glycol-based tears. Glycerin is a component found in some artificial tears, aiding in relieving dry and irritated eyes. These artificial tears are available in various formulations such as suspensions, solutions, ointments, emulsions, gels, and sprays, catering to different patient needs. Indications for using artificial tears encompass dry eye syndrome, allergies, infections, UV and blue light protection, and retaining moisture for contact lens wearers, among others. They are distributed through various channels, including retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, and ophthalmic stores, ensuring accessibility to consumers in need of ocular surface relief.

The artificial tears market research report is one of a series of new reports 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.

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.

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