Demulcent Eye Drops Global Market Report 2025

The demulcent eye drops market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.86 billion in 2024 to $2.0 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. Growth during the historic period can be attributed to the rising prevalence of dry eye conditions, increasing awareness of eye health, a growing number of eye surgeries, a higher incidence of allergies, and escalating levels of air pollution.

The demulcent eye drops market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.67 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. Growth during the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing availability of new product formulations, a rising population of individuals with autoimmune diseases, heightened emphasis on preventive eye care, an increasing number of ophthalmic procedures, and growth in vision correction treatments. Key trends expected in this period include the development of advanced preservative-free formulas, natural ingredient-based eye drops, multi-symptom relief formulations, incorporation of moisture-retention technology, and innovations in gel-based formulations.

The rising prevalence of dry eye disease is expected to drive growth in the demulcent eye drops market moving forward. Dry eye disease is a condition characterized by insufficient or poor-quality tear production, causing discomfort, visual disturbances, and potential damage to the eye’s surface. This increase is mainly attributed to longer screen time, which lowers blink rates and destabilizes the tear film, resulting in dryness and irritation. Demulcent eye drops alleviate symptoms by creating a protective layer on the eye’s surface, reducing irritation and moisture loss, and providing soothing relief to maintain comfort. For example, in February 2024, Eyes On Eyecare, a US-based media company, reported that dry eye was the primary clinical focus for 43.39% of practices in 2024, representing a 16.54% rise from 2023. Thus, the growing prevalence of dry eye disease is fueling the expansion of the demulcent eye drops market.

Leading companies in the demulcent eye drops market are prioritizing the development of innovative products like preservative-free formulations to better serve consumers with sensitive eyes and minimize irritation risks. Preservative-free eye drops are artificial tears made without chemical preservatives, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive eyes or those requiring frequent use. For example, in September 2023, Alcon Inc., a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical and medical device firm, introduced Systane Hydration multi-dose preservative-free (MDPF) lubricant eye drops. This product features HydroBoost Technology, which combines sodium hyaluronate and HP-Guar to provide improved hydration and protection. The preservative-free formula is housed in a multi-dose bottle with PureFlow technology, ensuring sterility without preservatives. It is intended for frequent use, offers long-lasting relief for dry and irritated eyes, and is safe for users of soft contact lenses.

In July 2023, Bausch + Lomb, a US-based eye health company, purchased the Blink line of eye and contact lens drops from Johnson & Johnson Vision for $106.5 million. This acquisition allows Bausch + Lomb to broaden its over-the-counter (OTC) eye care offerings and reinforce its position as a leader in providing effective treatments for dry eye and contact lens discomfort. Johnson & Johnson Vision, a division of Johnson & Johnson, is a US-based pharmaceutical company that produces demulcent eye drops under the Care One and Refresh brands.

Major players in the demulcent eye drops market are Pfizer Inc., AbbVie Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Novartis AG, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Bausch + Lomb, Cipla Ltd, Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc., Akorn Inc, FDC Limited, AFT Pharmaceuticals, Sentiss Pharma Pvt. Ltd., VISUfarma B.V, URSAPHARM GmbH, Thea Pharmaceuticals, OASIS Medical Inc, Entod Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and Scope Opthalmics Ltd.

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

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

Demulcent eye drops are lubricating solutions designed to alleviate dryness and irritation in the eyes. They contain soothing ingredients like carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose that create a protective layer over the eye’s surface. Their main function is to provide moisture, reduce friction, and shield the eyes from further irritation or damage.

The primary types of demulcent eye drops include artificial tears, lubricating eye drops, allergy eye drops, and other varieties. Artificial tears are a type of lubricating eye drop that relieve dryness and irritation by replicating the eye’s natural moisture. These products are available in various forms, such as preserved and preservative-free eye drops, multidose and single-dose options, among others. They are commonly used to manage conditions like dry eye syndrome, allergies, eye infections, and other eye-related problems. Distribution channels include retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and hospitals or clinics. The main users are people with dry eye syndrome, post-surgical patients, contact lens users, individuals with allergies, and others.

The demulcent eye drops market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides demulcent eye drops market statistics, including demulcent eye drops industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a demulcent eye drops market share, demulcent eye drops market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the demulcent eye drops industry. This demulcent eye drops 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 demulcent eye drops market consists of sales of systane ultra, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) drops, glycerin-based eye drops, dexpanthenol eye drops, and chondroitin sulfate eye drops. 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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