Corticosteroid Eyedrops Market Report 2025

The corticosteroid eyedrops market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.51 billion in 2024 to $17.67 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to an aging population, a rise in eye inflammation cases, an increase in cataract surgeries, the expansion of ophthalmology clinics, a higher prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis, and greater awareness of eye health.

The corticosteroid eyedrops market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.95 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing incidence of diabetic eye complications, rising demand for minimally invasive treatments, a surge in digital eye strain, the expansion of teleophthalmology services, growing prevalence of chronic eye conditions, and an increase in global surgical eye procedures. Key trends expected in the forecast period include the development of nano-formulation delivery systems, preservative-free eyedrop formulations, smart packaging with integrated dose tracking, AI-powered prescription platforms, and combination therapies with enhanced bioavailability.

The increasing prevalence of eye diseases is anticipated to drive the growth of the corticosteroid eyedrops market in the coming years. Eye diseases are conditions that affect the health and function of the eyes, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness if not properly treated. The rise in these conditions is largely due to increased screen time, which causes digital eye strain and contributes to issues such as dry eyes and blurred vision. Corticosteroid eyedrops are widely used to manage these conditions by reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms like redness, swelling, and discomfort. For example, in May 2024, a report published by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, a UK-based community health organization, indicated that around 2 million people in the UK are currently living with some form of sight loss, a figure expected to rise to 2.7 million by 2030. As a result, the growing prevalence of eye diseases is fueling demand in the corticosteroid eyedrops market.

Leading companies in the corticosteroid eyedrops sector are prioritizing regulatory approvals to broaden their product offerings and improve market accessibility. Regulatory approvals are official endorsements by health authorities confirming that medications meet the necessary standards for safety, efficacy, and quality before they are allowed on the market. For instance, in March 2024, Formosa Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Taiwan-based pharmaceutical firm, and AimMax Therapeutics, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company, received FDA approval for clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension 0.05% (APP13007) for treating inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. This formulation, developed using Formosa’s APNT nanoparticle technology, delivers effective results with just twice-daily dosing for 14 days and requires no tapering. Clinical trials demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, positioning the product as a strong addition to the treatment landscape for post-surgical eye inflammation and pain. As the first ophthalmic corticosteroid containing clobetasol and the first new steroid approved in this category in over 15 years, it represents a notable development in ocular corticosteroid therapy.

In May 2022, Alcon Inc., a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical and medical device company, acquired EYSUVIS and INVELTYS from Kala Pharmaceuticals for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition was intended to strengthen Alcon’s ophthalmic eye drop portfolio, particularly in the growing dry eye segment, by offering both long-term and short-term treatment solutions. It also expands Alcon’s capabilities in managing post-surgical eye care. Kala Pharmaceuticals Inc., a U.S.-based company, focuses on the development and commercialization of ophthalmic medications, including corticosteroid eye drops.

Major players in the corticosteroid eyedrops market are Pfizer Inc., AbbVie Inc., Novartis AG, Alcon Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Lupin Limited, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Alkem Laboratories Ltd., Sunways Pvt. Ltd., FDC Limited, Alimera Sciences Inc., Eurocrit Labs International Pvt. Ltd., Entod Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Akorn Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pace Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Wellona Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Kala Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Ophdenas Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the corticosteroid eyedrops market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in corticosteroid eyedrops report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the corticosteroid eyedrops market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The corticosteroid eyedrops market consists of sales of low-potency corticosteroid eyedrops, ointments, subconjunctival injections, antibiotic formulations, and periocular injections. 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).

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sudden escalation of U.S. tariffs and the consequent trade frictions in spring 2025 are severely impacting the pharmaceutical companies contend with tariffs on APIs, glass vials, and lab equipment inputs with few alternative sources. Generic drug makers, operating on razor-thin margins, are especially vulnerable, with some reducing production of low-profit medicines. Biotech firms face delays in clinical trials due to tariff-related shortages of specialized reagents. In response, the industry is expanding API production in India and Europe, increasing inventory stockpiles, and pushing for trade exemptions for essential medicines.

The corticosteroid eyedrops market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides corticosteroid eyedrops market statistics, including corticosteroid eyedrops industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a corticosteroid eyedrops market share, detailed corticosteroid eyedrops market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the corticosteroid eyedrops industry. This corticosteroid eyedrops 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.

Corticosteroid eyedrops are prescription medications formulated with corticosteroids, which are potent anti-inflammatory agents used to alleviate swelling, redness, and irritation in the eyes. These eyedrops are frequently prescribed to manage eye conditions such as uveitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and inflammation resulting from eye surgeries or injuries, helping to minimize tissue damage and support quicker recovery.

The primary product categories of corticosteroid eyedrops include topical corticosteroid eyedrops, systemic corticosteroid eyedrops, and combination therapy eyedrops. Topical corticosteroid eyedrops are liquid treatments applied directly to the eye’s surface to reduce inflammation. They come in a variety of delivery formats such as dropper bottles, spray formulations, ointments and gels, and punctal plugs. These products are distributed through hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and other channels. They are used for both adult and pediatric patients and cater to various end users, including hospitals, specialty clinics, community pharmacies, and online pharmacies.

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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