Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market By Treatment (Pharmacological {Artificial tears, Anti-inflammatory drugs, Steroids, Antibiotics, Growth factors, Other}, Surgical {Punctal Plugs, Thermal Pulsation Therapy, Scleral lenses}, Lifestyle {Warm compresses, omega-3 supplements, humidifiers}), By Disease Etiology (Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye, {Sjögren’s Syndrome Dry Eye, Non-Sjögren’s Syndrome Dry Eye}, Evaporative Dry Eye {Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), Ocular Surface Inflammation}), By Diagnostic Technology (Ocular Surface Staining, Schirmer’s Test, Tear Breakup Time (TBUT), Osmolarity Testing, Meibography, Inflammatory Biomarker Testing), By Dosage Form (Gels, Eye Solutions, Capsules & Tablets, Eye Drops, Ointments ), By End-User (Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Homecare), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Published Date: Nov 2024 | Report ID: MI1421 | 230 Pages

Industry Outlook

The Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment market accounted for USD 7.46 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20.24 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 9.5% between 2025 and 2035. Dry Eye Syndrome is characterized by inadequate tear production or insufficient quality of produced tears. There are usually signs including irritation, burning or grittiness in the eyes, dryness, reddening, and sometimes even blurring of vision.

The triggers of DES may include but are not limited to aging, external environment, excessive use of computer printers, tab, hormonal production change, side effects of certain drugs, or any underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases. The management of dry eye syndrome involves lubricants, topical steroids, topical immunomodulators, such as cyclosporine (Restasis), lifitegrast (Xiidra), and other interventions including punctual plugs and suture-placed sustained-release/systemic medications.

Report Scope:

ParameterDetails
Largest MarketNorth America
Fastest Growing MarketAsia Pacific
Base Year2024
Market Size in 2024USD 7.46 Billion
CAGR (2025-2035)9.5%
Forecast Years2025-2035
Historical Data2018-2024
Market Size in 2035USD 20.24 Billion
Countries CoveredU.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, China, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa
What We CoverMarket growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter’s five forces analysis, PESTLE analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, pricing analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and over 10 companies
Segments CoveredTreatment, Disease Etiology, Diagnostic technology, Dosage Form, End-User, and Region.

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Market Dynamics

Growing prevalence of dry eye syndrome due to aging and digital screen exposure

Dry eye syndrome is one of the modern-day diseases that is influenced by an aging population and the use of screen devices. As people age, tear production changes, leaving them more vulnerable to dry eye illnesses. This is coupled with a duration of time spent viewing digital devices with which people blink less often moistening the ocular surface and leading to discomfort.

The occurrence known today as “digital eye strain” demonstrates how the use of technology affects the eye health of those at an early age as well as the elderly. The development of modern-day dynamic life, including increased screen time for working, learning, and entertainment has merely escalated the situation and turned it into an international issue. These are compounded by changes in environmental factors including pollution, and regulation of indoor environments through climate control.

Increasing demand for advanced formulations, including cyclosporine and corticosteroid-based treatments

The growth demand for new formulations of eye drop solutions such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids is triggered by progress in the need to improve the solution of dry eye syndrome. Cyclosporine, particularly in its Restasis formulation, is easily one of the most important treatments available for the inflammatory component of the disease as it addresses the decrease in tear production. Therefore, it is capturing a large market share for the actual cure of chronic dry eye conditions and its long-term effectiveness.

Corticosteroid-based medicines present more effective anti-inflammatory action to treat severe dry eye cases that cannot be treated by commercial products. These formulations are often used in combination treatments to achieve the best results in the case of manifestation of moderate or severe symptoms. Such advanced therapies are in high demand due to increasing chronic dry eye cases, the aging population, as well as understanding the symptom's effect on the patient’s quality of life.

High costs and limited insurance coverage for specialty dry eye treatment solutions

The high costs and the lack of insurance coverage, especially for dry eye-related products, pose many challenges to involve patients and healthcare givers. Prescription-based dry eye treatments including cyclosporine (Restasis), corticosteroids, and punctal plugs are costly and are not easily affordable by many people, particularly in some parts of the world. Such therapies are normally categorized as specialty medicines which may not be fully reimbursable by insurance, thus becoming very costly for the patients.

This is worrisome, especially for those patients with chronic and severe dry eye syndrome where these innovative treatments are crucial, hence, many patients avoid needed treatments. Even though some introduction of new insurance covering and changes in healthcare policies to some extent are seen, the economic cost still acts as a hindrance towards the adoption of treatment and subsequently patient compliance in the dry eye syndrome market.

Emerging markets with rising healthcare access drive demand for dry eye treatments

In response to this increasing demand, pharmaceutical companies are also bringing equally affordable and good solutions for dry eye in cooperation with local groups. As such, there is improved healthcare access, changes in demography as well as growth in income levels, especially in emerging markets, a factor that creates a market opportunity for companies to grow their market share and better address the increasing market demand for dry eye products. The concerns about improving patients’ access to effective medicines, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, lubricating eye drops, and novel device-based therapies in these evolving markets are becoming higher.

With the increased use of digital devices and environmental changes coupled with increases in urbanization in some of these regions, the incidence of dry eye syndromes as well as other related diseases has increased thus increasing the opportunity for specialty care. Thus, authorities and governments, as well as private parties, are going a long way to have more easily accessible treatments due in part to better insurance coverage and the cheap cost of drugs.

Development of novel delivery systems, including sustained-release ocular implants

Novel sustained-release ocular implants are now emerging in the dry eye market as a means for effective delivery systems that are convenient for patients and effective in diminishing their symptoms. These late-generation drug delivery systems favor controlled and sustained delivery of therapeutic agents to the eye with little requirement for frequent application and therefore high rate of patient compliance.

For instance, ocular implants can give out cyclosporine or corticosteroids in gradual vol-units to deliberate chronic dry eye patients. Such implants represent additional therapeutic utility for patients with severe diseases as though having to use frequent eye drops for dosage balance with the eye tissue. Further, sustained release systems assist in countering the barriers that revolve around conventional treatments with highly transient durations of efficacy that result in multiple dosing per day.

Industry Experts Opinion

"Dry eye disease is a chronic, complex condition, and we don't have a strict playbook to follow for treatment. We cannot cure it or make it go away, but we can manage it,"

  • Dr. Thomas Dohlman, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

 "With the increase in air pollution, there's been a rise in ocular allergies. Left untreated, these allergies can damage the ocular surface, leading to symptoms similar to dry eyes."

  • Dr Ashwin Santosh Shetty, consultant in ophthalmology at Aster CMI Hospital.

Segment Analysis

Based on Disease Etiology, the Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market is classified into two major segments namely Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye and Evaporative Dry Eye. Aqueous deficient dry eye encompassing Sjogren’s and Non-Sjogren’s syndrome cases due to the aging population and rising autoimmune disorders increases the need for artificial tear drops and anti-inflammatory medications.

 

Dry eye disease is driven by artificial screen usage and environmental stressors such as evaporative dry eye, which results from MGD and ocular surface inflammation. Lipid layer-related medication therapies include lipid-based eye drops and gland expression devices; awareness toward the ocular surface, ocular inflammation, and related therapies are also boosting growth. Payment awareness of the way dry eye affects quality of life also drives growth toward this segment as well.

Based on Diagnostic Technology, Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market is categorized into ocular surface staining, Schirmer’s Test, Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), osmolarity testing, and meibography for dry eye syndrome treatment market. Schirmer’s test and OSS have retained popularity because they are inexpensive and easily available, but osmolarity measurement and meibography are gradually coming into focus for their accuracy.

Osmolarity testing offers higher reliability compared to other methods, when diagnosing tear film instability, while meibography allows to study of meibomian glands’ condition, which is pivotal for diagnosing evaporative dry eye. This segment is advancing because of the greater utilization of sophisticated diagnostic solutions in specialized clinics and expanding investments in ophthalmic breakthroughs. Incorporation of such tools into individual patient management plans increases their utility in patient care.

Regional Analysis

North America is the leading in dry eye syndrome treatment market due to its enhanced medical facilities, an increasing number of geriatrics, and Digital Eye Strain because of working on screens, and technology devices. This area is innovative since organizations such as AbbVie and Alcon are in this region to advance biological therapies, anti-inflammatory products, and preservative-free solutions.

Popularity has also fortified it through widespread awareness campaigns, and fully active patient education activities among patients. The large participation of clinical research facilities and availability of the latest diagnostic equipment help with early and proper intervention. Also, strong insurance structures and high per capita income assure affordable fancy treatments, making North America the powerhouse of this market.

The Asia-Pacific area is expected to demonstrate the highest growth rate in the consumption of products for dry eye syndrome treatment due to the improvement of the population’s access to healthcare, increased rates of urbanization, and growing concerns for ocular health. China, India, and Japan are leading this growth through government-powered healthcare measures and an ever-growing middle class that is seeking improved healthcare facilities.

Telemedicine and digital health approaches have informed diverse changes for access to treatments in different regions. A wide range of MNCs and local entrants are keen on emerging new cheap and selective therapies to suit these populations. It is for these reasons as well as the increased attention on multi-agency marketing approaches and integrated eye care solutions that the Asia-Pacific region immediately becomes viewable as a dynamic and continually growing market.

Competitive Landscape

The overall dry eye syndrome treatment market is a well-defined and technological rivalry based on AbbVie Inc., Alcon Inc., Bausch Health Companies, Santen Pharmaceutical, and Novartis AG leading the market growth. Such firms use innovative processes for sustaining market positions, such as developing new drugs, mergers/acquisitions, and internationalization.

These products include drugs such as Restasis which can be associated with precision medicine and new biologics for inflammation control. Currently, Alcon has completely repositioned the market with preservative-free Systane Ultra, in addition to hydrating eye drops that provide long-lasting comfort. Novartis has focused on manufacturing new anti-inflammatory drugs it has brought them better delivery systems to ensure patients’ compliance and Santen has concentrated on creating new treatment models, especially in Asia.

Employers are using the increasing modality of health technology and telemedicine solutions to raise consciousness among clinicians and patients about the diagnosis and treatment methods that exist. Partnerships with research organizations allow for the investigation of regenerative treatments, and new stem cell applications. Other efforts like the shift to adopting environmentally friendly packaging contribute to the company's attunement to new market values thus giving it a competitive edge.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

  • In November 2024, Novoxel Inc. introduced Simple Relieftm from Dry Eye comes from a 2-minute treatment with Tixel i®, The newest member of the Tixel family of products was cleared for application of localized heat and pressure for patients with Evaporative Dry Eye due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The multi-site clinical study demonstrated significant improvements in the objective scores (such as TBUT and MGS) and, more importantly, a significant reduction in patient-reported symptoms
  • In June 2024, a canalicular gel device (Lacrifill, Nordic Pharma) introduced to the US market, and a recent study has shown it to be a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for dry eye. This device offers a new option for managing a condition that affects millions of patients.

Report Coverage:

By Treatment

  • Pharmacological
  • Artificial tears
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Steroids
  • Antibiotics
  • Growth factors
  • Other
  • Surgical
    • Punctal plugs
    • Thermal pulsation therapy
    • Scleral lenses
  • Homecare
    • Warm compresses
    • Omega-3 supplements
    • Humidifiers

By Disease Etiology

  • Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye
    • Sjögren’s Syndrome Dry Eye
    • Non-Sjögren’s Syndrome Dry Eye
  • Evaporative Dry Eye
    • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
    • Ocular Surface Inflammation

By Diagnostic Technology

  • Ocular Surface Staining
  • Schirmer’s Test
  • Tear Breakup Time (TBUT)
  • Osmolarity Testing
  • Meibography
  • Inflammatory Biomarker Testing

By Dosage Form

  • Gels 
  • Eye Solutions 
  • Capsules & Tablets
  • Eye Drops 
  • Ointments 

By End-User

  • Hospitals
  • Specialty Clinics
  • Homecare

By Region

North America

  • U.S.
  • Canada

Europe

  • U.K.
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

  • GCC Countries
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

  • AbbVie Inc.
  • Alcon Inc.
  • Bausch Health Companies Inc.
  • Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • Akorn
  • Novartis AG
  • Mitotech
  • Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  • Prestige Consumer Healthcare
  • Horus Pharma
  • OASIS Medical
  • AFT Pharmaceuticals
  • VISUfarma
  • Sentiss Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
  • Auven Therapeutics
  • Nicox S.A.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment market accounted for USD 7.46 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20.24 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 9.5% between 2025 and 2035.

Key growth opportunities in the Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment market include Emerging markets with rising healthcare access driving demand for dry eye treatments, Development of novel delivery systems, including sustained-release ocular implants, and Technological advancements in diagnostics for precise identification of dry eye severity.

The largest segment in the Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market is artificial tears, driven by their widespread use and accessibility. The fastest-growing segment is anti-inflammatory drugs like cyclosporine, owing to their efficacy in managing severe cases and addressing inflammation.

North America is expected to make a notable contribution to the Global Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market, driven by the high prevalence of the condition, increasing screen usage, and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, the region benefits from strong R&D efforts and frequent novel drug launches like Restasis and Cequa

Leading players in the global Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market include AbbVie Inc., Alcon Inc., Bausch Health Companies, Santen Pharmaceutical, and Novartis AG. These companies are at the forefront of innovation, offering advanced therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs and artificial tears while driving market growth through product launches and strategic collaborations.

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