Global Artificial Tears Market Overview
Artificial Tears Market size was valued at USD 3.07 billion in 2022. The artificial tears market industry is projected to grow from USD 3.29 Billion in 2023 to USD 5.74 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.48% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). The increasing prevalence of dry eye disease and eye inflammation, and the rising preference for preservative-free products are driving market growth.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Artificial Tears Market Trends
- The rising preference for preservative-free products boosts market growth.
The increasing demand for preservative-free artificial tears owing to the side effects of preservatives including eye irritation, especially for moderate or severe dry eyes is driving the artificial tears market. In addition, the increasing number of product launches by key players is augmenting product differentiation and thereby driving market growth. For instance, In January 2022, Alcon (Switzerland) launched Systane complete preservative-free lubricant eye drops in the European market. Likewise, in October 2019, Allergan, Inc. (Subsidiary of AbbVie, US) launched the Refresh Relieva lubricant eye drop product line, an expansion of the Refresh portfolio. The product line included Refresh Relieva PF (preservative-free) multidose.
Furthermore, increasing product launches for preservative-free products is driving the artificial tears market. Moreover, advances in packaging design and delivery mechanisms for preservative-free eye drops to prevent contamination are further driving the market for artificial tears market. Thus, increasing preference for preservative-free products is driving the market growth.
Additionally, the World Bank Group reported that in 2021, the population of aged 65 and older (as a percentage of the total population) increased from 6.57 percent in 2020 to 6.78 percent in 2021. The growing geriatric population will be accompanied by an increase in eye problems, which will lead to an increase in the use of eye allergy-relieving eye drops. Consequently, it is anticipated to boost market growth.
Artificial Tears Market Segment Insights
Artificial Tears Type Insights
The Artificial Tears Market segmentation, based on type, includes polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, cellulose, glycerin, and others. The Glycerin segment held the majority share in 2022 in the Artificial Tears Market revenue. This is due to the rising older population and the innovations in the product range, and various benefits associated with the use of products. Glycerin is a humectant, as well as a demulcent and lubricant. Moreover, glycerin has the added properties of promoting epithelial cell growth and blunting the damaging effects of high osmolarity on the ocular surface.
June 2020: Ocusoft (US) signed a sales-distribution agreement with EKKDA Research, LLC (US) to establish ophthalmic collaborations in ophthalmology and optometry, with a major focus on eye care.
Artificial Tears Delivery Mode Insights
The Artificial Tears Market segmentation is based on a delivery mode that includes eye drops, ointments, and sprays. The eye drops segment has dominated the market in 2022 and is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, 2023-2032. This is attributed to the rising older population and the innovations in the product range, and various benefits associated with the use of products. In addition, Artificial tears are eye drops used to lubricate dry eyes and help maintain moisture on the outer surface of your eyes. Such eyedrops are useful to treat dry eyes that result from aging, certain medications, a medical condition, eye surgery, or environmental factors, such as smoky or windy conditions.
Figure 2: ARTIFICIAL TEARS MARKET SIZE, BY DELIVERY MODE, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Artificial Tears Application Insights
The Artificial Tears Market segmentation is based on an application that includes dry eye syndrome, allergies and infections, and others. The dry eye syndrome segment has dominated the market in 2022 and is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, 2023-2032. This is due to the increasing cases of dry eye syndrome (DES). Moreover, as per the article published by the research journal BMC Ophthalmology in January 2020, the prevalence of dry eye syndrome has been estimated in many countries around the globe, with the prevalence ranging between 9.5 to 90%. Such trends and statistics have reported substantial existing and potential patient populations worldwide which are getting increasingly aware of this disorder.
Artificial Tears Distribution Channel Insights
The Artificial Tears Market segmentation is based on a distribution channel that includes hospital pharmacies, drug stores, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The Hospital pharmacies segment has dominated the market in 2022 and online pharmacies are projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, 2023-2032. This is due to the increasing prevalence of chronic eye disorders like cataracts, glaucoma, and others. Since there is a greater dependency on medical professionals for the prescription or relevant advice regarding the usage of the product, patients usually prefer to get treated at hospital pharmacies. Additionally, the US government has taken steps to improve ophthalmological medical care in the nation, including the creation of eye specialty hospital pharmacies throughout the country’s major and sub-urban regions. The players across the US are also upping investments in research to innovate treatment methods with novel biological agents.
April 2021: Alcon Plc (Switzerland) announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire exclusive US commercialization rights to Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic suspension) 1%/0.2% from Novartis.
Artificial Tears Regional Insights
By Region, the study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North America artificial tears market accounted for the largest market share in 2022. This is due to the high prevalence of dry eye disease, the presence of market key players, and the growing demand for contact lenses in the region Dry eye disease is very widespread in the United States, affecting a large percentage of the population, particularly those over the age of 50. According to the National Health and Wellness Survey, 6.8 percent of the adult population in the United States (approximately 16.4 million people) will have dry eye disease by 2020. Moreover. The regional market witnesses the presence of many key market players such as Johnson and Johnson Vision Care (US) and Bausch + Lomb (Canada). Thus, the presence of key market players in the region fuels the growth of the artificial tears market in the region.
Further, the major countries studied are the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 3: ARTIFICIAL TEARS MARKET SIZE, BY REGION 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Europe artificial tears market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the high prevalence of ophthalmic disorders, increasing use of advanced eye drops, and a rapidly surging aging population. further, UK artificial tears market was attributed to hold the largest market share, and the France artificial tears market is expected to fastest-growing market in the European region.
The Asia-Pacific artificial tears market is expected to grow at a significant share from 2023 to 2032. This is due to the strong potential patient population, rising awareness of ocular diseases, and increasing healthcare expenditure in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, China artificial tears market is expected to hold the largest market share, and India artificial tears market is expected fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Furthermore, according to the World Bank, China's population in 2020 will be around 140.21 crore people. WHO reports that China's population is growing older quickly, which is contributing to the country's health care needs. By 2040, China's population of people aged 60 and over is expected to grow by 28%. Furthermore, the increasing population and aging people are creating a strong potential patient population in the region for the players involved in the artificial tears market, these factors are likely to have considerable growth for the artificial tears market.
The Rest of the World is segmented into the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Artificial tears market in the above-mentioned regions is likely to witness growth due to improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing government initiatives. Moreover, low healthcare expenditure and unstable political situations are also affecting the market's growth to some extent in the Middle East.
Artificial Tears Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
The Artificial Tears Market is characterized by the presence of many global, regional, and local vendors. Developments in the healthcare industry and growing research and development make the artificial tears market lucrative. To expand their reach and optimize their operational costs, the major players focus on obtaining regulatory authorizations from government agencies for their products and emphasize acquisitions and product launches to gain a substantial market share. The market comprises tier-1, tier-2, and local players. The tier-1 and tier-2 players have reach across the globe with diverse product portfolios. Companies such as Alcon Plc (Switzerland), Johnson and Johnson Vision Care (US), Allergan plc (Ireland), and Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Canada) dominate the Artificial Tears Market due to product differentiation, financial stability, strategic developments, and diversified regional presence. The players are focused on investing in research and development. Furthermore, they adopt strategic growth initiatives, such as expansion, product launches, joint ventures, and partnerships, to strengthen their market position and capture a large customer base.
One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the global artificial tears industry to benefit clients and expand the artificial tears market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs.
Alcon Plc (Switzerland) is a Swiss manufacturer of supplements, contact lenses & solutions, eye drops, and other products for surgical and vision care areas, such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and refractive errors. The company has a presence in over 70 countries and serves patients in more than 140 countries. Also, it has active collaborations with various service providers. For instance, the company has a partnership with SightLife, the Eye Donation Counselor program established in hospitals in India, enabling cornea transplant surgeries that might not have been possible otherwise. Alcon comprises a strong pipeline for the future, constituting non-Rx dry eye drops, contact lens care solutions, ocular vitamins, non-Rx allergy drops, and non-Rx red eye drops in ocular health. For instance, in April 2021, Alcon launches Systane Hydration Multi-Dose Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops in the US.
Also, Johnson and Johnson Vision (JJV)(US) manufacture intraocular lenses, phacoemulsification systems, eye drops, laser vision correction systems, viscoelastic, microkeratomes, and related products used in cataract and refractive surgery. The company operates in two divisions, Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (Contact Lens). JJV is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson and has operations in 24 countries. The company markets its products across 60 countries globally.
Key Companies in the Artificial Tears Market include
- Johnson and Johnson Vision Care (US)
- Allergan plc (Ireland)
- Alcon Plc (Switzerland)
- Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Canada)
- Santen, Inc (Japan)
- URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH (Germany)
- ROHTO Pharmaceutical CO., LTD (Japan)
- Similasan Corporation (US)
- Ocusoft (US)
- Nicox (France)
Artificial Tears Industry Developments
May 2022: Alcon Plc (Switzerland) signed an agreement to acquire EYSUVIS (loteprednol etabonate suspension) 0.25% pharmaceutical eye drops from Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This acquisition will complement Alcon’s existing portfolio in the large and fast-growing dry eye category.
May 2021: URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH (Germany) collaborated with European dry eye (Paris) to produce a co-branded range of fresh and creative dry eye medicines for the US dry eye market.
March 2021: Nicox (France) launched ZERVIATE in the U. S. The launch of ZERVIATE in the US is another significant step toward increasing ZERVIATE’s global value.
June 2020: ROHTO Pharmaceutical CO., LTD (Japan) partnered with Kaneka Corporation (Japan) to increase the market for lacrimal duct tubes by combining Kaneka’s technical competence and product development experience with Rohto’s strong ophthalmic branding and sales skills.
February 2019: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Canada) acquired Eton Pharmaceuticals (US) EM-100 Investigational Eye Drop for the treatment of itchy eyes associated with allergies.
Artificial Tears Market Segmentation
Artificial Tears Type Outlook
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Propylene Glycol
- Cellulose
- Glycerin
- Others
Artificial Tears Delivery Mode Outlook
- Eye Drops
- Ointments
- Sprays
Artificial Tears Application Outlook
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Allergies And Infections
- Others
Artificial Tears Distribution Channel Outlook
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Drug Stores
- Retail Pharmacies
- Online Pharmacies
Artificial Tears Regional Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Rest of the World
- Middle East
- Africa
- Latin America
| Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2022 |
USD 3.07 billion |
| Market Size 2023 |
USD 3.29 billion |
| Market Size 2032 |
USD 5.74 billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
6.48% (2023-2032) |
| Base Year |
2022 |
| Forecast Period |
2023-2032 |
| Historical Data |
2019 to 2021 |
| Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
Type, Delivery Mode, Application, Distribution Channel |
| Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered |
The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, and South Korea. |
| Key Companies Profiled |
Johnson and Johnson Vision Care (US), Allergan plc (Ireland), Alcon Plc (Switzerland), Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Canada), Santen, Inc (Japan), URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH (Germany), ROHTO Pharmaceutical CO., LTD (Japan), Similasan Corporation (US), Ocusoft (US), and Nicox (France) |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Advancement in diagnostics for dry eye disease |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Increasing prevalence of dry eye disease and eye inflammation  Rising preference for preservative-free products |
Artificial Tears Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Artificial Tears Market is anticipated to reach 5.74 billion at a CAGR of 6.48% during the forecast period of 2023-2032.
The US is held over 89% share of the North America market for artificial tears market during the forecast period of 2023-2032.
The artificial tears market is expected to grow at a 6.48% CAGR during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.
The North American region market held the largest market share in the artificial tears market.
The key players include Johnson and Johnson Vision Care (US), Allergan plc (Ireland), Alcon Plc (Switzerland), Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Canada), Santen, Inc (Japan), URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH (Germany), ROHTO Pharmaceutical CO., LTD (Japan), Similasan Corporation (US), Ocusoft (US), and Nicox (France).
The eye drops segment was estimated to lead the artificial tears market.
The hospital pharmacies segment is attributed to having the largest market share based on application.
