Ophthalmic Drugs Global Market Report 2025

Ophthalmic drugs comprise pharmaceuticals used to treat various eye-related conditions and vision impairments. These medications are often employed in addressing eye infections.

Two primary categories of ophthalmic drugs exist prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Prescription ophthalmic drugs necessitate a licensed doctor's or medical practitioner's prescription for acquisition. They encompass classes such as anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-glaucoma, and others, catering to conditions such as dry eye, eye allergies, glaucoma, eye infections, retinal disorders, uveitis, among others. These drugs are available in diverse dosage forms, including liquid, solid, semisolid, and multicompartment drug delivery systems. Distribution channels for these medications span hospital pharmacies, drugstores, and online pharmacies.

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 resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a significant impact on the pharmaceutical sector. Companies are grappling with higher costs on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), glass vials, and laboratory equipment-many of which have limited alternative sources. Generic drug manufacturers, already operating with minimal profit margins, are particularly affected, with some scaling back production of low-margin medications. Biotech firms are also experiencing delays in clinical trials due to shortages of specialized reagents linked to tariffs. In response, the industry is shifting API production to regions like India and Europe, building up inventory reserves, and advocating for tariff exemptions on essential medicines.

The ophthalmic drugs market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides ophthalmic drugs market statistics, including ophthalmic drugs industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an ophthalmic drugs market share, detailed ophthalmic drugs market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ophthalmic drugs industry. The ophthalmic drugs 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 ophthalmic drugs market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $39.36 billion in 2024 to $42.25 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increasing incidence of eye disorders, R&D investments in eye care, changing lifestyles, global increase in diabetes cases, and government initiatives for vision care

The ophthalmic drugs market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $56.35 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to biopharmaceutical innovations, increasing prevalence of myopia, expanding aging population, personalized medicine approaches, and regulatory support for rare diseases. Major trends in the forecast period include biologics and gene therapies, increased focus on dry eye therapeutics, advancements in glaucoma treatment, the emergence of combination therapies, and a focus on age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The forecast of 7.5% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.2% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. The imposition of tariffs may burden U.S. eye care by increasing costs of glaucoma medications andanti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections sourced from Ireland and Italy, potentially compromising vision preservation and raising ophthalmology practice expenses. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The rising incidence of ophthalmic disorders is expected to drive growth in the ophthalmic drug market in the future. Ophthalmic disorders encompass a range of diseases and conditions that affect the eye and its associated structures, leading to vision impairment and other eye-related issues. Ophthalmic drugs are pharmaceutical products specifically designed to treat these eye diseases, and as the prevalence of ophthalmic disorders increases, so does the demand for these medications. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a U.S. government agency, reported that in 2022, 17.2% of Americans aged 40 and older were projected to have cataracts in at least one eye, which translates to approximately 20.5 million people. Thus, the growing prevalence of ophthalmic disorders is fueling the expansion of the ophthalmic drug market.

The upsurge in healthcare spending is anticipated to bolster the growth of the ophthalmic drugs market. Healthcare expenditure, comprising expenses related to medical care, including medications for eye-related conditions, significantly influences the growth of the ophthalmic drugs sector within the overall healthcare budget. Notably, the Canadian Institute for Health Information forecasted a 0.8% increase in total health spending in Canada from $328 billion in 2021 to $331 billion in 2022. This escalation in healthcare expenditure underscores the growth trajectory within the ophthalmic drugs market.

Product innovation stands as a prominent trend shaping the ophthalmic drug market. Leading companies in this sector concentrate on novel solutions to fortify their market positions. An example is Sun Pharmaceutical Canada Inc.'s launch of CEQUA (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09% w/v) in January 2022. CEQUA utilizes nanomicellar (NCELL) technology, enhancing drug delivery to ocular tissues by improving cyclosporine's bioavailability and stability, primarily targeting dry eye disease.

Companies focus on developing preservative-free drugs, such as preservative-free latanoprost, offering efficacious treatment options. Thea Pharma introduced Iyuzeh (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% in September 2023, the first preservative-free latanoprost approved by the FDA for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) in the US. This launch responds to the needs of over 60 million global individuals affected by glaucoma, presenting an effective and preservative-free treatment option within the ophthalmic drugs market.

In November 2022, Alcon Inc., a Switzerland-based leader in eye care, completed the acquisition of Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a US-based research and development company specializing in ophthalmic disease treatments. The undisclosed deal granted Alcon access to Aerie's existing commercial drug Rhopressa and the developmental drug Rocklatan. This strategic move expands Alcon's pharmaceutical portfolio while leveraging Aerie's research and development capabilities. Alcon aims to harness Aerie's pipeline of ophthalmic drugs, potentially transitioning them into commercially viable treatments. Aerie Pharmaceuticals focuses on innovating drugs for various eye conditions, including dry eye and glaucoma, aligning with Alcon's commitment to advancing eye care solutions.

Major companies operating in the ophthalmic drugs market include AbbVie Inc., Alcon Inc., Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Merck & Co. Inc., Nicox S.A., Coherus Biosciences Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Viatris Inc., Mitotech SA, Akorn Incorporated, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Bayer AG, Senju Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc., Kala Pharmaceuticals Inc., Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, Acucela Inc., Dompe Farmaceutici S.p.A., Xbrane Biopharma AB, Laboratoires Thea

North America was the largest region in the ophthalmic drugs market in 2024. The regions covered in the ophthalmic drugs market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

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

The ophthalmic drugs market consists of ophthalmic sales of anti-angiogenic drugs, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, anti-uveitis drugs, and prostaglandin analogs. 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 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.

Ophthalmic Drugs Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses on ophthalmic drugs market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for ophthalmic drugs ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The ophthalmic drugs market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:

The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.

• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Prescription Drugs; Over-The-Counter Drugs
• 2) By Class: Anti-Allergy; Anti-Inflammatory; Anti-Glaucoma; Other Classes
• 3) By Disease: Dry Eye; Eye Allergy; Glaucoma; Eye Infection; Retinal Disorders; Uveitis; Other Diseases
• 4) By Dosage Form: Liquid Ophthalmic Drug Forms; Solid Ophthalmic Drug Forms; Semisolid Ophthalmic Drug Forms; Multicompartment Drug Delivery Systems
• 5) By Distribution Channel: Hospital Pharmacies; Drug Stores; Online Pharmacies
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Prescription Drugs: Antiglaucoma Agents; Anti-inflammatory Drugs; Antibiotics; Antivirals; Corticosteroids; Other Prescription Drugs
• 2) By Over-The-Counter Drugs: Artificial Tears; Allergy Relief Medications; Redness Relievers; Ocular Vitamins And Supplements; Other OTC Drugs
• Companies Mentioned: AbbVie Inc.; Alcon Inc.; Bausch & Lomb Incorporated; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; Novartis AG; Pfizer Inc.; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Merck & Co. Inc.; Nicox S.A.; Coherus Biosciences Inc.; Johnson & Johnson; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.; Viatris Inc.; Mitotech SA; Akorn Incorporated; GlaxoSmithKline plc; Bayer AG; Senju Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.; Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Kala Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.; Eyevance Pharmaceuticals; Acucela Inc.; Dompe Farmaceutici S.p.A.; Xbrane Biopharma AB; Laboratoires Thea
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.