Over-the-Counter (OTC) Artificial Tears Market Report 2025

The over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.66 billion in 2024 to $4.94 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. Growth during the historic period can be credited to the rising prevalence of dry eye syndrome, increased screen time among working professionals, heightened awareness of eye hygiene, a growing elderly population with eye-related issues, and greater retail accessibility of eye care products.

The over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.19 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. Growth in the forecast period is expected to be driven by increasing demand for preservative-free formulations, greater digital device usage among younger populations, a growing preference for self-care eye treatments, the expansion of online pharmacy networks, and a rise in allergy-related eye dryness. Key trends anticipated during this period include technological advancements in tear formulations, product innovations incorporating hyaluronic acid and lipids, the development of sustainable packaging, research into drug-free eye lubricants, and the integration of smart dispensers and dosage systems.

The rising prevalence of eye diseases is expected to drive the growth of the over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market in the future. Eye diseases are conditions that affect the normal function or structure of the eye, potentially causing vision impairment or loss if left untreated. The increasing occurrence of eye diseases is mainly due to aging populations, who are more susceptible to vision issues, thereby creating a higher demand for advanced eye care solutions. OTC artificial tears help manage eye diseases by providing soothing lubrication that alleviates dryness, reduces irritation, and protects the ocular surface to enhance overall eye comfort. For example, a report published by the Association of Optometrists in September 2023 stated that in 2022, England recorded 22,552 new certifications for vision impairment. Of these, 1,344 were attributed to diabetic eye disease, 3,614 to glaucoma, and 10,865 to age-related macular degeneration. Hence, the growing prevalence of eye diseases is fueling the expansion of the OTC artificial tears market.

Leading companies in the OTC artificial tears market are concentrating on developing advanced preservative-free formulations, such as lipid layer stabilization formulas, to deliver effective and prolonged relief. Lipid layer stabilization strengthens the outer oily layer of the tear film, which prevents rapid tear evaporation and helps maintain eye moisture. In February 2025, Alcon Inc., a Switzerland-based eye care company, introduced SYSTANE PRO Preservative-Free (PF), an OTC artificial tear with a triple-action formula designed to hydrate, restore, and protect dry eyes. This product features an innovative multi-dose, preservative-free design that combines hyaluronate, nano-sized lipids, and HP-Guar, which work together to deeply hydrate, stabilize the tear film, and shield the ocular surface, providing long-lasting relief for all types of dry eye while minimizing irritation, even with frequent use.

In July 2023, Bausch + Lomb Corporation, a Canada-based eye health company, acquired the Blink OTC eye drop product line from Johnson & Johnson Vision for $106.5 million. This acquisition aims to bolster Bausch + Lomb’s OTC eye care portfolio by incorporating the Blink range of artificial tears and rewetting drops, thereby expanding consumer access to trusted products for dry eye and contact lens discomfort. Johnson & Johnson Vision, based in the US, manufactures OTC artificial tears designed to relieve dry eye symptoms and enhance comfort for contact lens users.

Major players in the over-the-counter (otc) artificial tears market are AbbVie Inc., Abbott Laboratories Inc., Novartis AG, Alcon Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., CooperVision Inc., Cipla Limited, Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc., AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited, URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, OCuSOFT Inc., OASIS Medical Inc., NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc., Laboratoires Théa S.A.S., GBN Pharmaceuticals, I-MED Pharma Inc., Opdenas Lifesciences.

North America was the largest region in the over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market in 2024. Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears 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) artificial tears market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market consists of sales of hyaluronic acid-based tears, electrolyte-based tears, vitamin-enriched tears, medium viscosity tears, and high viscosity tears. 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).

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 over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market statistics, including the over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market share, detailed over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears industry. This over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears 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.

Over-the-counter artificial tears are eye drops available without a prescription, created to soothe and moisturize eyes experiencing dryness, irritation, or discomfort due to factors like environmental exposure, prolonged digital screen use, or conditions such as dry eye syndrome. These drops offer fast, convenient relief and are commonly used for everyday eye hydration.

The primary categories of OTC artificial tears include cellulose-derived tears, glycerin-derived tears, oil-based emulsion tears, and polyethylene glycol-based tears. Cellulose-derived tears contain cellulose-based polymers designed to replicate natural tears, providing extended moisture and lubrication for dry or irritated eyes. These products come in various container types, such as plastic single-dose and multi-dose containers. Formulations can be either preservative-based or preservative-free, and they are applied in treatments for dry eye syndrome, allergies, infections, UV and blue light protection, contact lens moisture retention, and more. Major distribution channels include hospital pharmacies, drugstores and retail pharmacies, as well as 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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