Dry Eye Disease Treatment - Market Insights, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast - 2032

Dry Eye Disease Treatment Market by Product Type (Artificial Tears, Devices, Drugs, and, Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies and Online Pharmacies), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) is expected to grow at a steady CAGR forecast till 2032 owing to the growing prevalence of dry eye disease globally and increasing product development and launches activities by key players.

The dry eye disease treatment market was valued at USD 6.18 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 5.29% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 to reach USD 9.28 billion by 2032. The growing need for dry eye disease treatment is primarily driven by the rising global prevalence of the condition. A key contributing factor is the expanding geriatric population, which is more susceptible to developing dry eye symptoms due to age-related changes in tear production and ocular health. Additionally, increased product development and frequent new launches by leading market players are further supporting market momentum. These trends are creating a favorable environment for sustained growth, positioning the dry eye disease treatment market for robust and steady expansion from 2025 to 2032.

Dry Eye Disease Treatment Market Dynamics:

According to a recent study published in The Ocular Surface (2024), in 2024, over 344 million people worldwide were affected by Dry Eye Disease (DED), underscoring a significant and growing disease burden. This rising prevalence is fueling the global demand for effective treatment options. DED therapies play a vital role in relieving symptoms by moisturizing the eyes and reducing irritation.

Data from the analysis (2025) revealed that in 2023 alone, over 2.3 million males and 8.3 million females in Japan were diagnosed with DED. In the United Kingdom, the burden was similarly high, with approximately 2.8 million mild, 1.3 million moderate, and 2 million severe cases reported. Additionally, a 2023 study published in Nature estimated that around 400 million individuals in China suffered from DED, equating to roughly one to two out of every five people.

These alarming statistics highlight the widespread nature of the condition and emphasize the urgent need for targeted therapeutic interventions across diverse regions. The increasing incidence of DED is driven by several converging factors, including prolonged screen time, environmental stressors, aging populations, and lifestyle changes. These elements are collectively expanding the global patient population and fueling demand for both conventional therapies and advanced treatment solutions.

A particularly influential driver of market growth is the aging global population. Tear production tends to decline with age, resulting in insufficient lubrication of the ocular surface and increasing susceptibility to DED. According to data from the United Nations (2023), the number of individuals aged 65 years or older was projected to more than double from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050. The population aged 80 and older is expected to grow even more rapidly.

In response to this rising demand, key market players are accelerating the development of innovative treatment options. For instance, in May 2025, Alcon announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved TRYPTYR® (acoltremon ophthalmic solution) 0.003%, formerly known as AR-15512, for the treatment of signs and symptoms of DED. TRYPTYR is a first-in-class TRPM8 receptor agonist (neuromodulator) that stimulates corneal sensory nerves to promote natural tear production rapidly.

Similarly, in May 2025, Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. announced that its investigational drug candidate, 0.25% reproxalap ophthalmic solution, achieved the primary endpoint in a Phase 3 randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled dry eye chamber trial for the treatment of DED.

Together, these developments signal strong momentum within the DED treatment market, as the combination of a growing patient base, increasing awareness, and technological advancement positions the industry for substantial growth from 2025 onward.

However, the complications and safety concerns associated with dry eye disease treatment and stringent regulatory requirements for product approval, among others, are some of the key constraints that may limit the growth of the dry eye disease treatment market.

Dry Eye Disease Treatment Market Segment Analysis:

Dry Eye Disease Treatment Market by Product Type (Artificial Tears, Devices, Drugs, and Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies and Online Pharmacies), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

In the product type segment of the dry eye disease treatment market, the artificial tears category is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2024. The growth of this category is primarily driven by the increasing global prevalence of DED and the wide-ranging therapeutic benefits that artificial tears offer in managing the condition.

Artificial tears play a central role in DED management by supplementing or replacing the eye's natural tear film. They help maintain moisture on the ocular surface and provide immediate relief from common symptoms such as dryness, irritation, burning, and stinging sensations. These drops also reduce the gritty or sandy feeling often reported by patients, making everyday activities such as prolonged screen use, reading, or spending time in low-humidity environments more comfortable and manageable.

Beyond symptom relief, artificial tears form a protective barrier over the cornea and conjunctiva, helping to minimize mechanical friction caused by blinking and eyelid movement. This not only enhances comfort but also protects against further ocular surface damage, particularly in individuals with chronic or severe dry eye. Another key benefit is their ability to reduce ocular surface inflammation, a critical contributor to DED progression. Some artificial tear formulations include ingredients that help to calm irritation and support healing, thereby offering more than just symptomatic relief.

Furthermore, artificial tears aid in restoring and stabilizing the tear film's three essential layers, including lipid, aqueous, and mucin. By reinforcing this delicate structure, artificial tears enhance ocular surface lubrication and reduce tear evaporation, especially beneficial for patients suffering from evaporative forms of dry eye. Market growth is also being propelled by increasing R&D investments and product innovation. For example, in January 2022, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals launched Avenova® Lubricating Eye Drops, specially formulated to provide rapid and lasting relief for individuals suffering from dry eye symptoms. Innovations such as these highlight the segment's dynamic potential and ongoing evolution to meet the diverse needs of the patient population.

Thus, the factors mentioned above are likely to boost the market segment and thereby increase the overall market of dry eye disease treatment across the globe.

North America is expected to dominate the overall dry eye disease treatment market:

North America is projected to hold the largest share of the dry eye disease treatment market in 2024, driven by several key factors. This regional dominance is primarily attributed to the rising prevalence of dry eye disease and its associated risk factors, an increasing aging population, and ongoing product development and regulatory approvals by key market players. Collectively, these factors are positioning North America as the leading market in the global dry eye disease treatment market.

According to data from the National Institutes of Health (2025), nearly 16.4 million people in the United States were living with Dry Eye Disease (DED) in 2024. Further supporting this trend, the analysis (2025) reported that the total diagnosed prevalence of DED in the U.S. reached approximately 22.5 million cases in 2023. Similarly, data from Sjögren's Canada (2022) indicated that over 30% of the Canadian population was affected by dry eye disease, reflecting the widespread nature of the condition across North America. The growing number of DED cases, driven by aging demographics, increased screen time, and environmental stressors, is fueling demand for a broad range of treatment options, including artificial tears, medical devices, and advanced therapeutics.

Population growth is also playing a pivotal role in market expansion. According to the Population Reference Bureau (2024), the number of people aged 65 and older in the United States was projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, a 47% rise. This demographic shift will raise the share of older adults in the total population from 17% to 23%, significantly boosting demand for DED treatments, as aging is a major risk factor for the disease.

Market growth is further supported by a wave of recent product approvals and launches, reflecting continued innovation in the dry eye disease treatment space. In June 2023, Novaliq GmbH announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved VEVYE™ (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.1% for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. More recently, in February 2025, Alcon, a global leader in eye care, launched SYSTANE® PRO Preservative-Free (PF) in the United States. This over-the-counter eye drop features a unique triple-action, preservative-free formula and is currently the longest-lasting product in the SYSTANE range, offering extended relief from burning, dryness, and irritation.

Collectively, the rising disease burden, the expanding elderly population, and the continuous stream of innovative product introductions are expected to drive strong and sustained growth in the North American dry eye disease treatment market throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

Dry Eye Disease Treatment Market Key Players:

Some of the key market players operating in the dry eye disease treatment market include Alcon Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Sight Sciences, AbbVie Inc., Lumenis Be Ltd., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc., Viatris Inc., Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MiBo Medical Group, Horus Pharma, OASIS Medical, Inc., VISUfarma, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sentiss, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Novaliq GmbH, AFT Pharmaceuticals, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and others.

Recent Developmental Activities in the Dry Eye Disease Treatment Market:

• In May 2025, Grifols received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial of GRF312 Ophthalmic Solution, an immunoglobulin (IG) eye drop being developed as a potential new treatment for dry eye disease (DED).
• In May 2024, Nordic Pharma, Inc. launched LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel in the U.S., a novel therapy for dry eye disease. LACRIFILL is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivative, FDA-cleared to temporarily block tear drainage by occluding the canalicular system, thereby helping to retain moisture on the ocular surface.
• In January 2024, Alcon announced positive topline results from its two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials, COMET-2 and COMET-3, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of AR-15512, an investigational treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED).
• In September 2023, Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced the U.S. commercial launch of MIEBO (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). MIEBO is the first and only prescription eye drop approved specifically to target tear evaporation, addressing a key underlying cause of DED. 

Key takeaways from the dry eye disease treatment market report study

• Market size analysis for current dry eye disease treatment market size (2024), and market forecast for 8 years (2025 to 2032)
• Top key product/technology developments, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures happened over the last 3 years.
• Key companies dominating the dry eye disease treatment market.
• Various opportunities available for the other competitors in the dry eye disease treatment market space.
• What are the top-performing segments in 2024? How these segments will perform in 2032?
• Which are the top-performing regions and countries in the current dry eye disease treatment market scenario?
• Which are the regions and countries where companies should have concentrated on opportunities for the dry eye disease treatment market growth in the future?

Target audience who can benefit from this dry eye disease treatment market report study

• Dry eye disease treatment product providers
• Research organizations and consulting companies
• Dry eye disease treatment-related organizations, associations, forums, and other alliances
• Government and corporate offices
• Start-up companies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
• Distributors and traders dealing in dry eye disease treatment
• Various end-users who want to know more about the dry eye disease treatment market and the latest technological developments in the dry eye disease treatment market.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Dry Eye Disease Treatment Market:

1. What is dry eye disease?

• Dry eye disease treatment refers to the range of medical, therapeutic, and lifestyle interventions aimed at relieving symptoms, restoring the quality and quantity of tears, and improving the health of the ocular surface in patients suffering from Dry Eye Disease (DED). The goal is to reduce discomfort, prevent damage to the eye surface, and improve visual function.

2. What is the market for dry eye disease treatment?

• The dry eye disease treatment market was valued at USD 6.18 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 5.29% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 to reach USD 9.28 billion by 2032.

3. What are the drivers for the dry eye disease treatment market?

• The growing need for dry eye disease treatment is primarily driven by the rising global prevalence of the condition. A key contributing factor is the expanding geriatric population, which is more susceptible to developing dry eye symptoms due to age-related changes in tear production and ocular health. Additionally, increased product development and frequent new launches by leading market players are further supporting market momentum. These trends are creating a favorable environment for sustained growth, positioning the dry eye disease treatment market for robust and steady expansion from 2025 to 2032.

4. Who are the key players operating in the dry eye disease treatment market?

• Some of the key market players operating in the dry eye disease treatment market include Alcon Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Sight Sciences, AbbVie Inc., Lumenis Be Ltd., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc., Viatris Inc., Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MiBo Medical Group, Horus Pharma, OASIS Medical, Inc., VISUfarma, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sentiss, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Novaliq GmbH, AFT Pharmaceuticals, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and others.

5. Which region has the highest share in the dry eye disease treatment market?

• North America is projected to hold the largest share of the dry eye disease treatment market in 2024, driven by several key factors. This regional dominance is primarily attributed to the rising prevalence of dry eye disease and its associated risk factors, an increasing aging population, and ongoing product development and regulatory approvals by key market players. Collectively, these factors are positioning North America as the leading market in the global dry eye disease treatment market.

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