Dry Eye Disease - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Dry Eye Disease was valued at US$7.1 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$11.0 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Dry Eye Disease market.

Global Dry Eye Disease Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Fueling the Surge in Dry Eye Disease Cases Worldwide?

Dry Eye Disease (DED), medically referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is witnessing a significant global rise in prevalence due to multiple converging lifestyle, demographic, and environmental factors. This chronic ocular condition is caused by either inadequate tear production or excessive evaporation, resulting in inflammation, ocular surface damage, and persistent discomfort. Populations over the age of 50 are particularly susceptible, making aging one of the most critical contributors to the growing incidence of DED. However, younger demographics are not exempt, especially given the ubiquity of digital screens. Extended screen exposure significantly reduces blink rate and tear film stability, leading to tear evaporation and dry eye symptoms.

Urbanization and pollution are also contributing to this surge. Particulate matter, low humidity environments, and exposure to air conditioning are proven aggravators of ocular dryness. In addition, the widespread use of contact lenses, refractive surgeries like LASIK, and systemic medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants are known to exacerbate or trigger dry eye conditions. The disease affects daily tasks such as reading, driving, or prolonged visual focus, reducing quality of life and productivity. With awareness rising among both patients and healthcare providers, the rate of diagnosis is increasing, intensifying the demand for effective and accessible therapeutic solutions.

Which Innovations Are Transforming Dry Eye Disease Management?

The treatment landscape for Dry Eye Disease is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advances in both diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Diagnostic techniques have evolved far beyond traditional Schirmer tests, with clinicians now utilizing tear osmolarity testing, non-invasive tear break-up time analysis, and meibography to assess meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of evaporative dry eye. These innovations enable precise subtyping of the disease, allowing clinicians to adopt a more targeted approach to therapy. Digital imaging tools and point-of-care analyzers are making diagnostics more accurate, faster, and accessible in both hospital and outpatient settings.

Pharmacological advancements have also redefined treatment protocols. Anti-inflammatory eye drops such as cyclosporine A and lifitegrast have emerged as frontline agents in managing chronic dry eye associated with inflammation. These drugs offer more sustained relief than artificial tears, which, although still widely used, only provide temporary symptomatic relief. Further innovation is seen in the rise of sustained-release drug delivery systems - such as drug-eluting punctal plugs and inserts - which improve therapeutic adherence and patient outcomes. Additionally, non-drug therapies like intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment, thermal pulsation devices, and in-office gland expression procedures are helping restore ocular surface health in patients with moderate to severe disease.

How Are Diverse Sectors Addressing the Challenges of Dry Eye Disease?

The rising burden of Dry Eye Disease is prompting multifaceted responses across healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, and even corporate employers. In the healthcare setting, early diagnosis and personalized management strategies are being emphasized. Ophthalmologists and optometrists are incorporating comprehensive ocular surface evaluations into routine checkups, recognizing the long-term implications of untreated DED. The integration of digital health platforms is also expanding access to care, with teleophthalmology services providing remote assessments, especially in underserved and rural regions. These platforms are helping monitor disease progression, reinforce medication adherence, and educate patients on environmental and behavioral modifications.

Pharmaceutical companies are aggressively investing in the development of novel compounds, combination therapies, and biologics tailored for specific subtypes of dry eye. There is a notable shift from one-size-fits-all solutions to therapies based on individual disease etiology, such as aqueous-deficient versus evaporative dry eye. At the same time, industry collaborations between biotech firms and academic research institutions are accelerating discovery pipelines through the use of ocular surface biomarkers, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. In the corporate sector, awareness of the impact of DED on employee well-being and productivity has led to workplace interventions, such as screen time management, improved ergonomics, and indoor air quality enhancements. These cross-sector initiatives reflect a growing recognition of dry eye as not just a medical condition, but a broader public health and quality-of-life issue.

What Is Driving Market Growth and Strategic Investment in Dry Eye Disease Solutions?

The growth in the dry eye disease market is driven by several factors related to technological innovation, rising prevalence, and evolving treatment paradigms. One of the primary drivers is the global demographic shift toward an aging population, which corresponds with increased susceptibility to tear dysfunction and ocular surface damage. Equally influential is the surge in digital device usage across all age groups, as prolonged screen exposure continues to undermine blink frequency and tear film integrity, especially in urban and professional environments. These behavioral shifts are expanding the DED patient pool far beyond traditional risk categories.

On the technological front, sustained progress in drug delivery systems and diagnostics is accelerating treatment adoption and improving patient outcomes. The regulatory landscape is also becoming more conducive, with expedited approval pathways for novel ophthalmic drugs encouraging innovation and investment. In parallel, there is increasing awareness and screening activity driven by public health campaigns, eye health initiatives, and improved insurance coverage for specialty eye care. As dry eye gains recognition as a chronic and often progressive disease, healthcare stakeholders are allocating greater resources to research, product development, and patient education. These factors are collectively propelling the global dry eye disease market forward, setting the stage for sustained growth and diversification in both prescription and non-prescription segments over the next decade.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the Dry Eye Disease market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

Segments: Product Type (Cyclosporine, Corticosteroids, Lifitegrast, Ocular Lubricant, Punctal Plugs, Other Product Types); Formulation Type (Liquid, Gel, Ointment, Other Formulation Types); Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Supermarkets / Hypermarkets, Other Stores, Online Pharmacies).

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Cyclosporine segment, which is expected to reach US$2.7 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 5.8%. The Corticosteroids segment is also set to grow at 9.2% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $1.9 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 11.4% CAGR to reach $2.3 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Dry Eye Disease Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Dry Eye Disease Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Dry Eye Disease Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as AbbVie Inc., Akorn Operating Company LLC, Alcon Inc., Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc., Allergan plc (AbbVie) and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 39 companies featured in this Dry Eye Disease market report include:

• AbbVie Inc.
• Akorn Operating Company LLC
• Alcon Inc.
• Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc.
• Allergan plc (AbbVie)
• Bausch + Lomb Incorporated
• Horus Pharma
• Johnson & Johnson
• Mitotech S.A.
• Nicox S.A.
• Novaliq GmbH
• Novartis AG
• OASIS Medical
• OKYO Pharma Ltd.
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Schwind eye-tech-solutions GmbH
• Sentiss Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
• Surface Ophthalmics, Inc.

Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What's Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry