Dry Eye Syndrome Market Report

The increase in the prevalence of dry eye-related disorders may be attributed to a number of causes, including ageing, systemic inflammatory diseases, decreasing levels of supporting hormones, ocular surface diseases, or surgeries that disrupt the cholinergic neurons that decrease tear production. For instance, according to a research published in Frontiers in Medicine Journal, DED has become the fifth most common ocular disease in women and the ninth most common in males in the United States. The geriatric population provides a substantial contribution to the global dry eye syndrome market. According to statistics from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the number of elderly people is expected to double to 1.5 billion by 2050.

Furthermore, the dry eye syndrome market is witnessing a revolution with sustained-release drug delivery systems, exemplified by the Dextenza insert. This innovative treatment, a tiny, biodegradable plug inserted into the eye, releases medication over several weeks, offering extended relief from dry eye symptoms. By providing consistent, long-term symptom management, Dextenza not only enhances patient compliance but also reduces the frequency of treatment administration. Such advancements are reshaping dry eye care, addressing patient needs for effective, low-maintenance solutions, and creating substantial growth opportunities in the market as more clinicians and patients embrace this technology.

The majority of the population is unaware of the value of eye health. There is a lack of awareness about several dry eye symptoms that may be easily cured or corrected with proper diagnosis and treatments. People do not consult ophthalmologists on a frequent basis unless they are experiencing severe symptoms. Dry eye symptoms such as redness, burning, and so on are often ignored and underdiagnosed, reducing the patient pool that may be treated with prescription medications. According to a survey performed in the United Kingdom, one out of every four individuals does not have their eyes tested every two years as suggested by the NHS, with youngsters having a higher level of ignorance about eye health. However, strict restrictions related with therapy drugs and long-term therapy regimens limit their usage and adoption among the population. On average, treatment requires weeks or even 3 to 6 months to start working and may have adverse effects that limit total market growth.

Moreover, the dry eye disease market faces a significant hurdle owing to variability in treatment responses among patients. Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, the efficacy of dry eye treatments can vary widely, with some individuals experiencing substantial relief while others see minimal improvement. This inconsistency necessitates a diverse range of treatment options and personalized approaches, complicating both prescribing practices and market dynamics. For instance, while certain patients might benefit from advanced lubricants or biologic therapies, others may require a combination of treatments or different modalities altogether, highlighting the complexity and customization needed in dry eye management.

In the dry eye syndrome market, innovation is vital for overcoming treatment variability and enhancing patient outcomes. Manufacturers need to prioritize breakthroughs like sustained-release formulations and AI-driven diagnostics to address individual responses effectively. Advancing treatment options not only boosts patient satisfaction but also positions companies at the forefront of a rapidly evolving market, driving growth and differentiation. For instance, in June 2024, Bausch + Lomb Corporation has announced the official US launch of its Blink NutriTears, a nutritional supplement for the treatment of dry eyes. According to the company, Blink NutriTears “target the key root causes of dry eyes, promote healthy tear production and provide noticeable relief of dry eye symptoms in as little as 2 to 4 weeks. In addition, in May 2024, BERWYN, PA – Nordic Pharma, Inc., a subsidiary of Nordic Group B.V., has launched LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel, a novel therapy for dry eye in the U.S. LACRIFILL Canalicular Gel is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivative and is FDA-cleared to temporarily block tear drainage by the occlusion of the canalicular system.

North America is likely to account for a sizable portion of the dry eye syndrome market. People with various ages have been found living in a multi-screen environment. Computer or digital screen usage may result in less blinking, which may lead to symptoms of dry eye disease (DED), hence boosting the requirement for better and more effective DED therapies, which is projected to stimulate growth in the North American region. Dry eye disease (DED) affects around 20 Mn individuals in the United States, according to the American Association of Ophthalmology (AAO). Women who used eye cosmetics were a significant more likely than the general population to have DED, which indicates that applying eye cosmetics can be one of the risk factors for developing DED. According to the National Library of Medicine, the prevalence of DED in Canada is estimated to be 21%. The disease's high prevalence is expected to fuel market growth in the region throughout the forecast period. Furthermore, drugs launches are one of the major factors driving the region's market growth.  For instance, Sun Pharma Canada Inc, a subsidiary of India-based Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, introduced Cequa, a calcineurin inhibitor immunomodulator, in January 2022. All of these novel product introductions have the potential to provide the country a competitive advantage in the market.