Acute Ocular Pain Global Market Report 2025

The acute ocular pain market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $0.4 billion in 2024 to $0.43 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the rising incidence of eye injuries and ocular surgeries, growing awareness about ocular health, an aging population, rapid urbanization, and increased healthcare expenditure.

The acute ocular pain market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $0.6 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to favorable reimbursement policies, expanding access in emerging markets, the increasing prevalence of ocular ailments, rising demand for targeted and effective ocular pain therapies, and a growing emphasis on patient-centric care. Key trends during this period include advancements in diagnostics, technological innovations, new drug formulations, novel delivery systems, and the integration of artificial intelligence.

The increasing frequency of eye injuries is expected to drive the growth of the acute ocular pain market. Eye injuries can occur due to trauma or damage to the eye or its surrounding areas, resulting from impact, exposure to foreign objects, chemicals, or burns. These injuries can lead to pain, vision problems, and potential long-term damage. The growing incidence of eye injuries can be attributed to factors such as rising workplace hazards, prolonged screen time, environmental pollutants, sports-related trauma, and insufficient eye protection. Acute ocular pain is a significant indicator of underlying eye trauma, prompting early diagnosis and intervention. However, if pain management is delayed or inadequate, complications can worsen, resulting in prolonged discomfort and potential vision impairment. For instance, in August 2024, the Welsh Government reported that ophthalmology departments in Wales had more than 35,000 admissions in 2023-24, a 5.8% increase from the previous year. As a result, the increasing incidence of eye injuries is driving the demand for treatments in the acute ocular pain market.

Companies in the acute ocular pain market are focusing on the development of novel treatments, such as neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) therapy, to address severe eye pain. NCP therapy involves approaches designed to manage and alleviate chronic and often severe eye pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction in the cornea. For example, in October 2024, UK-based OKYO Pharma announced the dosing of the first patient in its Phase 2 clinical trial for OK-101, a new neuropathic corneal pain therapy. OK-101 is a non-opioid, anti-inflammatory treatment aimed at addressing NCP, a condition linked to corneal nerve damage and intense eye discomfort. The Phase 2 trial, which will enroll 48 patients diagnosed with NCP, is being conducted at Tufts Medical Center under the supervision of Dr. Pedram Hamrah, a leading expert in ocular pain management.

In November 2022, Alcon Inc., a Switzerland-based ophthalmic company, acquired Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc. for approximately $930 million. This acquisition strengthens Alcon's ophthalmic pharmaceutical portfolio by adding innovative treatments such as Rocklatan and Rhopressa. Aerie Pharmaceuticals, based in the United States, specializes in developing treatments for eye diseases, including acute ocular pain.

Major players in the acute ocular pain market are AbbVie Inc., Novartis AG, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alcon Vision LLC, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bausch + Lomb Corporation, Santen Pharmaceutical, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc., Ocular Therapeutix, Nicox S.A., Omeros Corporation, Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation, XOMA Corporation, Vyluma, Sylentis, Surface Ophthalmics Inc., Pharmaleads, Kala Bio, IACTA Pharmaceuticals.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the acute ocular pain market in 2024. North America expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in acute ocular pain report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the acute ocular pain market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Acute ocular pain is a sudden, intense discomfort or sharp sensation in the eye, often caused by infections, injuries, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, vision disturbances, or sensitivity to light, and requires prompt evaluation to identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment. This pain can result from conditions such as corneal abrasions, uveitis, glaucoma, or foreign body irritation and may signal a serious issue that needs urgent medical attention to avoid complications.

The main drugs used in managing acute ocular pain include topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical cycloplegic agents, oral analgesics, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators. Topical NSAIDs, in the form of eye drops, are used to reduce inflammation and relieve acute ocular pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. These drugs are categorized based on conditions such as corneal abrasion, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and iritis, and are administered through various routes, including topical, intraocular, and oral. The distribution channels for these treatments include hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, and retail pharmacies, with end users ranging from hospitals and home care settings to ophthalmic clinics.

The acute ocular pain market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides acute ocular pain market statistics, including acute ocular pain industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an acute ocular pain market share, detailed acute ocular pain market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the acute ocular pain industry. This acute ocular pain 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 acute ocular pain market consists of sales of anesthetic eye drops, ocular antihistamines, neuroprotective agents, and combination ophthalmic formulations. 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).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values and 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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