Over-The-Counter (OTC) Products-Eye Care Global Market Report 2025

The over-the-counter (OTC) products eye care market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $31.17 billion in 2024 to $34.08 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. This historical growth is driven by the rising cases of digital eye fatigue, an expanding aging population globally, heightened awareness around eye care and cleanliness, a growing inclination toward self-treatment, and the broader accessibility of OTC products through both physical and digital retail channels.

The over-the-counter (OTC) products eye care market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $48.08 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period will be fueled by worsening urban pollution and exposure to allergens, a surge in lifestyle-induced eye disorders, greater focus on proactive eye health, continued innovation and promotional efforts by leading manufacturers, and a rising consumer base in developing nations. Key emerging trends include the rise of preservative-free product formulations, the use of digital health technologies alongside eye care solutions, smart packaging advancements, the incorporation of nanotechnology in formulations, and improvements in artificial tear and lubricating solutions.

The rising digital screen exposure is expected to propel the growth of the over-the-counter (OTC) eye care products market in the coming years. Digital screen exposure refers to the amount of time spent viewing screens on devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. This exposure is increasing due to the growing reliance on remote work and online communication, leading to prolonged daily screen use. OTC eye care products help alleviate the effects of digital screen exposure by relieving dryness, reducing irritation, and maintaining ocular hydration. For example, in October 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between July 2021 and December 2023, over half (50.4%) of teenagers aged 12-17 spent four or more hours per day on screens. Additionally, 22.8% spent three hours, 17.8% spent two hours, 6.1% spent one hour, and only 3% spent less than an hour daily. This growing screen time is driving the demand for OTC eye care products.

Major companies in the OTC eye care market are focusing on developing advanced products such as eye drops to improve moisture retention and offer long-lasting relief from common eye irritations. OTC eye drops are non-prescription solutions used to treat issues like dryness, redness, irritation, and allergies. They provide rapid relief by lubricating the eyes and enhancing comfort. For instance, in August 2024, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, a US-based pharmaceutical company, introduced Olopatadine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.1% (OTC), in the US. This product addresses the increasing need for allergy relief eye drops and serves as a competitive alternative to Pataday Twice Daily Relief. It is available at major retail outlets and pharmacies nationwide, further expanding Glenmark’s consumer healthcare offerings.

In September 2024, Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, a US-based manufacturer of OTC eye care products, entered a partnership with EMC Pharma, LLC to expand access to innovative eye care solutions. This collaboration aims to increase market reach, improve product availability, and boost sales through the co-marketing of a broader range of both prescription and OTC eye care products. EMC Pharma LLC is a pharmaceutical manufacturing company based in the United States.

Major players in the over-the-counter (otc) products-eye care market are AbbVie, Novartis AG, Alcon, Intas Pharmaceuticals, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Perrigo Company plc, Bausch + Lomb, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Cipla Ltd., Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Rohto Pharmaceutical, GlenMark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Ocusoft Inc., Medicom Healthcare, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc., Himalaya Wellness Company, Grevis Pharmaceuticals, TearRestore Inc., Théa Pharma Inc.

North America was the largest region in the over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care market in 2024. The regions covered in over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The over-the-counter (OTC) eye care products are non-prescription solutions that are easily accessible and used to treat common eye problems such as dryness, redness, irritation, allergies, and mild infections. These products provide fast and convenient relief without the need for a medical professional. Their primary purpose is to alleviate discomfort, maintain eye hygiene, and promote overall eye wellness.

Key categories of OTC eye care products include contact lenses, intraocular lenses, ocular health products, and other related types. Contact lenses are soft, curved lenses placed on the eye to correct vision or enhance appearance, with OTC varieties offering flexible usage options from daily to monthly wear, providing convenience and visual clarity. These products are sold through a range of distribution channels such as hospitals and clinics, retail outlets, online platforms, and others. They are used for various purposes including treating dry eyes, relieving allergies, preventing and treating infections, supporting vision, and providing comfort after eye procedures.

The over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care market statistics, including the over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the over-the-counter over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care market share, detailed over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care market segments, market trends, opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care industry. This over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The over-the-counter (OTC) products-eye care market consists of sales of artificial tears, redness-relieving eye drops, antihistamine eye drops, saline eye wash, and lubricating eye ointments. 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 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 that 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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