Ophthalmic Drugs Devices Market Trends

Global Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Market Overview

The ophthalmic drugs and devices market is expected to reach USD 192.5 billion by 2032 and register a CAGR of 9% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2032. Conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome are two frequent eye conditions that can be treated using Over the Counter (OTC) ophthalmic drugs and devices. However, over-the-counter medications for conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses may help with symptom relief.

Artificial tears are the first over-the-counter treatment that doctors frequently advise. Deep cleaning, specialized contact lenses, and other devices are used to treat eye disorders. The factors such as a rising elderly population, rising diabetes incidences, and the rising prevalence of ocular ailments are driving the global ophthalmic drugs and devices market. Additionally, rising product launches and development are expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for the market players in the forecast period. However, the lack of knowledge about eye illnesses and the negative effects of ophthalmic medications is anticipated to restrain the market growth over the projection period. 

Ophthalmic devices are medical technology used in surgery, diagnostics, and vision correction. Artificial tears are the first over-the-counter treatment that doctors frequently advise. Deep cleaning, specialized lenses for contact lenses, and various other equipment are used to treat eye problems. An aging population, an increase in diabetes cases, and the prevalence of ocular illnesses drive the international market for ophthalmic medicines and supplies. Increasing new product releases and development are also predicted to offer market participants attractive growth chances throughout the forecast period. Due to the rising frequency of numerous ophthalmic disorders and other vision-related problems, these gadgets have become increasingly important and widely used.

In contrast to contact lenses, which are worn directly in touch with the cornea and float on a layer of tears that differentiates them from the cornea, eyeglasses are the most popular eyewear used to repair or enhance refractive problems. The primary driver fueling the market's growth is the growing geriatric population. Additionally, rising eye problems, increased investment in research & development, the prevalence of diabetes, and the availability of potent new medications in the pipeline are all predicted to contribute to the rise of ophthalmology drugs and devices. The demand is likely to rise due to increased research and development activities aimed at creating and launching novel ophthalmic drugs and several strategic initiatives that the key players anticipate. Ophthalmology also has unmet requirements.

However, a shortage of health insurance among the populace, particularly in poor nations, limits the use of ophthalmology drugs and equipment. Conversely, a lack of insurance in wealthy nations that covers all types of contact lenses or IOLs would impede the development of ophthalmology drugs and technologies. Major firms' increasing spending on research and development and activities are predicted to promote the explosive development of the market for ophthalmic drugs. Furthermore, a strong application pool with competent candidates will likely aid market growth. Additionally, some strategic initiatives undertaken by leading businesses are projected to hasten the market growth for ophthalmic drugs.

The North West London Clinical Trials Alliance, a partnership between clinical trial teams to enhance access to and the caliber of clinical research in the area, and Ora, Inc., the world's top Clinical Research Organization (CRO) for ophthalmology drug and device development, announced their partnership today. This strategic alliance occurs at a critical juncture as the UK government highlights the value of creative alliances and promotes stronger cross-sector cooperation. This endeavor to bring together academia, industry, and the NHS to provide improved options that will bridge the gap in patient access to cutting-edge treatment alternatives is directly supported by the relationship between Ora and the NWL Clinical Trials Alliance.

Impact of COVID-19

The pandemic has affected the business landscape for many organizations around the world. The supply chain in the ophthalmic drugs and devices market is the key to fulfilling customer demands. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries had imposed import and export restrictions. This also affected the healthcare industry, as many countries are dependent on other countries for raw material supply and technology. Raw materials required for manufacturing ophthalmic products such as preservatives, buffering agents, and ophthalmic active pharmaceutical ingredients faced a shortage during the first half of the pandemic. Additionally, COVID-19 significantly disrupted the eye care industry in 2020, as routine eye healthcare appointments were avoided to prevent patients from contracting the virus as well as due to fear among patients as the eye was established as one of the major routes for virus transmission. This negatively impacted the volume of prescription ophthalmic topical therapeutics. This was further impacted by travel restrictions and social distancing norms. Currently, the industry is returning to pre-COVID-19 levels due to pent-up demand and the growing need for ophthalmic therapeutic products.

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Market Trends

• Rising prevalence of ophthalmic disorders

There is an increasing prevalence of ophthalmic disorders such as refractive errors, dry eyes, glaucoma, eye allergies, and age-related macular degeneration globally, which is driving the market growth. According to the WHO in October 2021, at least 2.2 billion people globally suffer from vision impairment. Also, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), in the US alone, in the year 2019, about 12 million people aged 40 and above suffered from vision impairment, with about a million suffering from blindness. The leading causes of vision impairment are refractive errors and cataracts. Similarly, glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. According to National Glaucoma Research, over 3 million Americans have glaucoma. Therefore, the increasing prevalence of ophthalmic disorders is expected to continue driving the market growth for the ophthalmic drugs and devices market.

• Rising geriatric population


• Growing number of diabetes cases

• Lack of awareness regarding eye disorders

The lack of awareness regarding eye diseases stands as a restriction to market growth for the ophthalmic drugs and devices market. The WHO in October 2021 stated that there were 2.2 billion people globally suffering from vision impairment. However, nearly half of them could have been prevented by receiving proper treatment on time. The lack of awareness is greater in the developing regions of the world. Several developing nations in the Asia-Pacific region, where a significant population is geriatric as well, suffer from low awareness of eye disorders. According to an article published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology in October 2021, there is a lack of trained professionals along with a lack of awareness regarding eye disorders in Asia.

• Side effects associated with ophthalmic drugs

• Increase product development and launches

The high number of therapeutics in the pipeline signifies extensive R&D in the field and possible launches of more efficient products in the market in the future. The launch of new and improved products in the market supports the market's growth. There are several ophthalmic drugs in clinical trials that are expected to receive approval in the near future. For instance, in February 2021, Allergan plc (Ireland) submitted an Investigational New Drug application (IND) for the first ever topical eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia. Similarly, in January 2022, Sun Pharma (India) launched Cequa, a treatment for dry eyes in Canada. Additionally, players are launching generic versions of drugs, which is expected to increase patient accessibility due to significantly lower costs.

Value Chain Analysis

The ophthalmic drugs and devices market is growing at a significant rate and is expected to continue growing at the same rate in the near future. Some major factors for growth include the growing geriatric population globally and the increasing number of patients suffering from eye disorders and diseases. The value chain analysis for the ophthalmic drugs and devices market comprises four major components that start with the research and product development (R&D), followed by the manufacturing of the products, distribution & sales, and ends with post-sales monitoring.

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Market Segment Insights

The global ophthalmic drugs and devices market has been divided based on product and treatment.

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Product Insights

Based on product, the market is segmented into drugs and devices.

Global Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Market Share (%), by Product, 2021

• Drugs

Ophthalmic drugs are the formulations for the treatment of eye diseases and disorders such as glaucoma, color blindness, cataract, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, diabetic macular edema, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It includes several types of medications, and each medication is used for a specific purpose in ophthalmic treatment. Rising awareness regarding ophthalmic diseases and increasing demand for ophthalmic drugs are some of the significant factors expected to accelerate market growth.

• Devices

Ophthalmic devices are medical equipment used for diagnosis, surgery, and vision correction. These devices have gained increased importance and adoption due to the high prevalence of various ophthalmic diseases and other vision-related issues. Eyeglasses are the most common form of eyewear used to correct or improve refractive errors, and on the other hand, contact lenses are worn directly in contact with the cornea, but they float on a layer of tears that separates them from the cornea. Contact lens solutions are also known as rewetting drops. These rewetting drops are used to lubricate the eye and hydrate the contact lenses while wearing them. It also kills bacteria and keeps contact lenses safe.

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Treatment Insights

Based on treatment, the global ophthalmic drugs and devices market has been segmented into eye infections, allergic conjunctivitis, dry eyes syndrome, red eyes, inflammation, and others.

Global Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Market Share (%), by Treatment, 2021

• Eye Infections

Eye infections are a common medical issue caused by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It often causes redness, irritation, tearing, and itchiness. There are different types of eye infections with causes and treatments.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ophthalmic disorder where the conjunctiva of the eye develops inflammation due to an allergic reaction as a result of an individual's interaction with an allergen. In addition, it is caused by allergens and irritants such as dust, pollen, and mold.

• Dry Eyes Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when your tears don’t provide adequate lubrication. Prolonged exposure to digital displays, poor eyelids, chronic conjunctivitis, malnutrition, and others has resulted in increasing cases of dry eye syndrome (DES).

• Red Eyes

Red eye is a general term for red, irritated, and bloodshot eyes. It happens when blood vessels under the eye’s surface get larger or more inflamed. It often causes itching, eye discharge, eye pain, swollen eyes, or changes in vision, such as blurred vision.

• Inflammation

Eye inflammation is a common response to infection, disorders, injury, allergies, irritation, autoimmune, or trauma to the eyelids or surrounding tissues. Uveitis is a type of eye inflammation. It occurs in one or both eyes and affects the layer of the eye called the uvea. In addition, it is also associated with other parts of the eye and lasts for an acute or chronic time period.

• Others

Others segment involves glaucoma and cataracts. Glaucoma is a chronic condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss or blindness. Cataracts are clouding of the usually clear lens of the eye. It is associated with the aging process, sometimes it develops after eye inflammation, injuries, and other eye diseases.

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Regional Insights

The global ophthalmic drugs and devices market, based on region, has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Global Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Market Share (%), by region, 2021

• North America

The key factors, including the increasing prevalence of eye disease and the presence of a large number of market players in the region, are driving the ophthalmic drugs and device market in North America. For instance, in May 2022, Alcon announced an acquisition of EYSUVIS (loteprednol etabonate suspension) 0.25% pharmaceutical eye drops from Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Alcon's Systane family of eye drops, which includes the recently launched Systane Preservative-Free formulations, will be supplemented by EYSUVIS. The acquisition will help the company to expand its portfolio in the large and fast-growing dry eye category. Additionally, the increasing prevalence rates of refractive errors and advancements in technologies are driving the market demand for ophthalmic drugs and devices in North America.

• Europe

The growing geriatric population in developed countries in the region and the rising prevalence of chronic eye conditions due to high stress and unhealthy lifestyles resulting in diabetic retinopathy are boosting the ophthalmic drugs and devices market in Europe. For instance, in 2021, as per the article published by the World Health Organization (WHO), age-related macular degeneration is the foremost cause of blindness in the adult population, which is also followed by diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract sight disorders. Similarly, according to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), every day around 250 people are losing their sight in the UK in 2021. The increasing rate of cataract sight loss disorders posed a major impact on the ophthalmic market, resulting in rising demand for ophthalmic drugs and devices in Europe.

• Asia-Pacific

In the Asia-Pacific region, the rising burden of ophthalmic disorders and rising consumer awareness are the major factors fueling the ophthalmic drugs and devices market. Companies are entering into collaborations and strategic initiatives to develop and commercialize new treatment options for patients. For instance, in December 2020, NuSight Medical introduced NuLids Revitalize Eyelid Gel. NuLids Revitalize Eyelid Gel is made from natural ingredients that have been shown to soothe, hydrate, and protect ocular tissues. These aforementioned factors contribute to the growth of the ophthalmic drugs and devices market in the region.

• Rest of the World

The rest of the world accounted for the lowest market share in the ophthalmic drugs and devices market. The growing advancements in medical infrastructure and rising health insurance coverage are the major factors driving the growth of the market in the rest of the world. For instance, in June 2022, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC) entered into a partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi to provide ophthalmology services for ICLDC patients in Abu Dhabi.

Competitive Landscape

The global ophthalmic drugs and devices market is characterized by the presence of many global, regional, and local players. Developments in the healthcare industry, rising technological developments, and growing research and development make the market lucrative. Additionally, the increasing incidence and prevalence of eye-related disorders such as presbyopia, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy among the aging population are helping the ophthalmic drugs and devices market to grow. 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 on acquisitions and product launches to gain a substantial market share. For instance, in January 2022, Alcon announced the launch of Systane complete preservative-free lubricant eye drops in Europe.

Key Players

The prominent players in the global ophthalmic drugs and devices market are

• Allergan plc (Ireland)


• Johnson & Johnson Vision (US)


• Alcon (Switzerland)


• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel)


• Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. (US)


• Lomb Incorporated (Canada)


• Sight Sciences, Inc. (US)


• Mibo Medical Group (US)


• BioTissue (US)


• NuSight Medical (US).

Recent Developments

• In June 2022, Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced the U.S. launch of Revive custom soft contact lenses, available in spherical, toric, multifocal, and multifocal toric options.


• In October 2021, Ocular Therapeutix announced FDA approval of a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for DEXTENZA (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert) 0.4 mg for intracanalicular use for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.


• In June 2021, Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. entered into a discovery collaboration with Mosaic Biosciences (US) to identify new targets and therapeutic agents aimed at the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD).


• In May 2022, Alcon signed an agreement to acquire EYSUVIS (loteprednol etabonate suspension) 0.25% pharmaceutical eye drops from Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US). Alcon's Systane family of eye drops, which includes the recently launched Systane Preservative-Free formulations, will be supplemented by EYSUVIS.


• According to a court ruling in Genus Medical Technologies LLV v. FDA (Genus), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clarified a shift in classifying specific ophthalmic products in a piece of final advice for the industry. The most recent guidance refers to "ophthalmic drugs bundled with eye droppers, eyecups, or other dispensers," as defined by 21 CFR Part 4, which covers the regulation of combination products. As a result of the Genus ruling, FDA is now regulating certain ophthalmic dispensers bundled with ophthalmic medications as drug-led combination items rather than drugs, even though historically, these products did not fall under the scope of 21 CFR Part 4.

Report Overview:

The study covers the existing short-term and long-term market effects, helping decision-makers to draught short-term and long-term plans for businesses by region. The report covers major regions in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The report analyzes market drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter's Five Forces, Value Chain, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market.

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Market Segmentation

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Product Outlook

• Drugs
  
  
  
  • Pilocarpine
  
  
  • Micropine
  
  
  • Provisc
  
  
  • Diuretics
  
  
  • Vasoconstrictors
  
  
  • Fluocinolone
  
  
  • Bimatoprost
  
  
  • Others
  
  
  
  


• Devices
  
  
  
  • Glasses and Contact Lens
  
  
  • Optical Dispenser
  
  
  • Eye Massagers
  
  
  • Sponge Devices and Eye Cleaner
  
  
  • Others
  
  
  
  

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Treatment Outlook

• Eye Infections


• Allergic Conjunctivitis


• Dry Eyes Syndrome


• Red Eyes


• Inflammation


• Others

Ophthalmic Drugs and Devices Region Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America