Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented by Indication (Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome, Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Syndrome), By Product Type (Cyclosporine, Topical Corticosteroids, Artificial Tears, Punctal Plugs, and Others), By Dosage Form (Gels, Eye Solutions, Capsules & Tablets, Eye Drops, and Ointments), By Type (Prescription v/s Over The Counter), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), By Region, and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market was valued at USD 6.31 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.15 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.39% during the forecast period. The global market for Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment is experiencing significant growth, driven by the growing prevalence of dry eye syndrome due to certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid diseases, and lupus across the globe. Besides, increasing drug approvals and launches of new eye drops along with rising research and development activities in the healthcare sector for the development of new treatments for dry eye diseases across the globe are further expected to support the dry eye syndrome treatment market during the forecast period. In the U.S., more than 120,000 are blind from glaucoma, accounting for 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness. Also, the growing development of intranasal tear neurostimulation devices which will increase tear production in adults along with the development of new treatment modalities will boost the market growth during the forecasted period.

Additionally, the rising number of new players in the market is expected to lead the regulatory approvals and further propel the growth of the market. One of the primary challenges facing the dry eye syndrome treatment market is a lack of awareness among the public about the condition and available treatment options.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Geriatric Population and Age-Related Ocular Conditions

One of the primary drivers of the global dry eye syndrome (DES) treatment market is the significant rise in the aging population, which correlates with an increased prevalence of age-related ocular disorders, including dry eye disease. The tear film and meibomian gland functionality deteriorate with age, leading to a higher risk of evaporative and aqueous-deficient dry eye.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the number of people aged 65 and older is projected to more than double from 761 million in 2021 to over 1.6 billion by 2050. This demographic shift is especially significant in developed regions such as Europe and North America, where older populations already comprise a large portion of the overall demographic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that dry eye symptoms are present in nearly 15% of individuals over 50 years of age, with higher rates in women.

This aging trend not only increases the demand for existing treatments, such as artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drugs, and punctal plugs, but also drives the development of new therapies tailored for elderly patients. Pharmaceutical companies and ophthalmology clinics are investing more in geriatric-focused eye care, which boosts market growth. Consequently, the aging global population is a critical driver fueling the ongoing expansion of the dry eye syndrome treatment industry.

Increased Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain

Another significant driver of the DES treatment market is the rise in digital screen usage, which is contributing to the growing incidence of dry eye symptoms globally. Excessive use of digital devices—computers, smartphones, and tablets—reduces the frequency of blinking, leading to increased tear evaporation and eye surface damage.

This trend has been intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the expansion of remote work, online education, and increased digital entertainment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), American adults spent an average of over 8.5 hours per day engaging with screens in 2022, a number that has risen sharply since pre-pandemic years. The World Health Organization (WHO) also expressed concern over rising screen time among children and adolescents, recommending limited daily screen exposure to mitigate associated health issues, including vision problems.

Chronic digital eye strain leads to symptoms such as irritation, redness, and visual fatigue, all hallmark signs of dry eye syndrome. The rise in digital eye strain has been particularly pronounced in urban populations and younger demographics, expanding the dry eye syndrome treatment market beyond traditional age groups. As a result, demand has grown for newer treatments such as lipid-based eye drops, ocular surface lubricants, and digital behavior modification tools. This modern lifestyle factor is significantly altering the landscape of the DES market by increasing its relevance across age groups and driving innovation in digital health solutions and therapy customization.

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Key Market Challenges

Low Patient Awareness and Underdiagnosis

Despite the growing prevalence of dry eye syndrome globally, underdiagnosis and limited patient awareness continue to be major challenges impeding market growth. Many individuals experiencing mild to moderate symptoms often mistake them to temporary irritation or allergies, leading to delays in seeking appropriate treatment. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI) in the United States, while millions of people may experience symptoms of dry eye, only a fraction are formally diagnosed and treated. Studies estimate that more than 50% of dry eye cases remain undiagnosed, especially in developing countries where access to specialized ophthalmological care is limited.

The lack of public awareness is compounded by the absence of uniform diagnostic criteria, which can lead to inconsistent detection and classification of the disease across healthcare systems. General practitioners may lack the tools and training to recognize DES, resulting in an over-reliance on over-the-counter remedies instead of prescription-based or procedure-oriented therapies. Additionally, cultural stigmas around eye disease and low prioritization of eye health in some regions contribute to patient inaction.

This underdiagnosis poses a serious obstacle to the adoption of new therapies and hinders the collection of reliable epidemiological data, which is vital for health policy planning. As a result, despite the availability of effective treatments, a significant patient population remains unserved, limiting the overall growth potential of the DES treatment market.

High Cost of Advanced Therapies and Limited Insurance Coverage

The cost burden associated with advanced DES treatments is a significant challenge for both patients and healthcare systems. While basic artificial tears are relatively affordable, newer treatment options—such as prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops (e.g., cyclosporine and lifitegrast), punctal plugs, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, and thermal pulsation devices—are often expensive and not covered comprehensively by public or private insurance schemes. For example, Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion), a widely used prescription treatment for DES, can cost several hundred dollars per month without insurance. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) does not universally reimburse for all DES treatments, particularly newer devices and procedures, limiting patient access.

In lower-income and middle-income countries, the affordability barrier is even more pronounced due to weak public health infrastructure and limited insurance penetration. According to the World Bank, out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for over 40% of total health spending in many developing countries, making advanced DES treatments inaccessible for most of the population.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Diagnostic Technologies

The growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital diagnostic tools in ophthalmology is transforming the approach to dry eye syndrome diagnosis and management. AI-powered imaging platforms are increasingly being deployed to analyze tear film stability, meibomian gland function, and corneal topography, enabling more accurate and early detection of DES. The trend is driven by the need to overcome diagnostic variability and improve patient outcomes through personalized treatment plans. For instance, AI-assisted slit-lamp imaging and ocular surface analysis tools can detect subtle morphological changes in the tear film and eyelids that human observers might miss. These tools are especially useful in high-volume clinics and teleophthalmology settings.

Governments are beginning to support this trend with policy incentives and digital health funding. In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several AI-based ophthalmic diagnostic tools, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) allocated over $50 million for AI initiatives in healthcare, some of which are applicable to vision science. Meanwhile, countries like South Korea and Japan are investing in smart hospital models that incorporate AI for diagnostic efficiency. By enhancing diagnostic precision and enabling early treatment, AI integration is expected to reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with unmanaged dry eye disease. The adoption of AI is also prompting collaborations between tech firms and ophthalmology providers, pushing the market toward more data-driven and predictive care models for DES.

Shift Toward Biologic and Regenerative Therapies

A notable trend in the global dry eye syndrome treatment market is the emerging focus on biologic and regenerative therapies, which aim to address the root causes of DES rather than simply manage symptoms. This includes therapies using autologous serum eye drops, mesenchymal stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), all of which leverage the body's own biological materials to restore ocular surface health.

These therapies are particularly promising for patients with severe or refractory dry eye disease, such as those with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome. Autologous serum drops, for instance, contain growth factors, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory components that mimic natural tears more closely than synthetic alternatives. According to a 2023 update from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), several clinical trials are underway across the EU assessing the efficacy of cell-based therapies for treating chronic ocular surface disorders, including dry eye.

Regulatory bodies are also beginning to acknowledge these treatments through pilot programs and provisional frameworks. For example, the U.S. FDA’s Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation encourages the development and expedited approval of biologics that demonstrate strong clinical promise.

Segmental Insights

Indication Insights

Based on Indication, Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE) syndrome segment emerged as the dominant contributor to the global dry eye syndrome treatment market, holding the largest market share. EDE is one of the most common forms of dry eye disease, typically resulting from an inadequate quality of tears due to dysfunction of the meibomian glands. These glands are responsible for producing the oily layer of the tear film, and when blocked, the tear film becomes unstable and evaporates more rapidly. Patients often report symptoms such as gritty or burning sensations, blurry vision, sensitivity to contact lenses, and eye fatigue. Treatment for EDE generally involves a combination of methods aimed at improving tear quality and reducing inflammation. These include lubricating eye drops, warm compresses to help unclog meibomian glands, and dietary omega-3 fatty acids, which support lipid layer restoration. Increasing awareness among both patients and healthcare providers, coupled with growing investments in ocular health research, has propelled the demand for effective EDE management solutions.

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Regional Insights

Based on the region, North America held the largest market share in the Global Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market. This dominance can be attributed to several key factors including the high prevalence of dry eye disease, well-established healthcare infrastructure, widespread availability of advanced ophthalmic products, and increasing awareness among the aging population. According to data from the U.S. National Eye Institute, dry eye affects nearly 16 million Americans, with millions more likely experiencing undiagnosed symptoms. Furthermore, the region benefits from strong investment in research and development, with numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies launching innovative treatments. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also play a pivotal role by accelerating the approval process for new therapies, as seen in the recent clearance of novel products like LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, Novaliq and Laboratoires Théa announced that Vevizye had received marketing authorization from the European Commission for the treatment of dry eye disease in adults. Vevizye is notable for being the first and only water-free ciclosporin 0.1% eye drop solution to gain approval in Europe, marking a significant advancement in the therapeutic options available for managing dry eye disease across the region.
• In June 2024, Oculis released positive Phase 2b clinical trial results for licaminlimab, an innovative anti-TNFα eye drop developed for dry eye disease. The treatment showed significant improvement in various clinical signs of the condition, particularly among patients possessing a specific TNFR1 genetic biomarker. Licaminlimab demonstrated a rapid and marked reduction in corneal inflammation, while also maintaining a favorable safety profile with side effects comparable to those of the placebo vehicle.
• In May 2024, Nordic Pharma, Inc. introduced LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel, a novel dry eye treatment recently cleared by the U.S. FDA. The product is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel designed to temporarily occlude the tear drainage system, thereby allowing the eye’s natural tears to maintain moisture. Delivered through a simple in-office procedure, LACRIFILL provides relief for up to six months and is reimbursable under CPT code 68761. The launch was featured at Kiawah Eye 2024, where Nordic Pharma highlighted its potential to enhance ophthalmic practice. The company, part of SEVER Life Sciences, is recognized for its focus on specialty pharmaceuticals and has a growing international footprint.

Key Market Players

• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
• AbbVie Inc.
• Bausch Health Companies Inc.
• Novartis AG
• Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited
• Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Oyster Point Pharma, Inc.
• Alcon Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market, By Indication:

o   Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome

o   Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Syndrome

• Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market, By Product Type:

o   Cyclosporine

o   Topical Corticosteroids

o   Artificial Tears

o   Punctal Plugs

o   Others

• Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market, By Dosage Form:

o   Gels

o   Eye Solutions

o   Capsules & Tablets

o   Eye Drops

o   Ointments

• Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market, By Type:

o   Prescription

o   Over The Counter

• Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Hospital Pharmacies

o   Retail Pharmacies

o   Online Pharmacies

• Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Mexico

§  Canada

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  South Korea

§  Japan

§  Australia

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East and Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market.

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Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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