세계의 안약 및 윤활제 시장 규모는 2024년 213억 달러에 달했습니다. IMARC Group은 향후 시장이 2033년까지 315억 달러에 이를 전망이며, 2025년부터 2033년까지 성장률(CAGR)은 4.21%가 될 것으로 예측했습니다. 안질환 환자 증가, 의약품 분야에서의 연구개발(R&D) 활동의 활성화, 안구건조증 증후군과 관련된 위험을 최소화하기 위한 호르몬 요법의 인기 증가 등이 시장을 추진하고 있는 주요 요인입니다.
안약 및 윤활제는 눈의 건강을 유지하고 개선하는 데 필수적인 제품입니다. 다양한 눈의 불쾌감의 완화, 눈의 윤활, 눈의 건강 전반의 촉진을 목적으로 설계되어 있습니다. 인공눈물과 혈관 수축제로 구성되어 눈의 혈관을 수축시켜 충혈을 완화합니다. 특정 눈의 상태와 증상에 대응하기 위해 다양한 처방이 제공됩니다. 이들은 건조한 환경, 장기간의 스크린 사용, 알레르기, 특정 병리와 같은 요인으로 인한 건조, 충혈, 가려움증, 염증을 예방하는 데 사용됩니다.
현재 눈의 증상을 완화하고 불쾌감을 완화하기 위한 안약 및 윤활제에 대한 수요 증가가 시장의 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 이 외에도 안약 및 윤활제 사용의 유익한 측면과 적절한 아이 케어의 필요성에 대한 의식 증가가 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 또한, 안구건조증 증후군과 관련된 위험을 최소화하는 호르몬 요법의 인기가 높아지고 있는 것도 좋은 시장 전망을 가져옵니다. 이와는 별도로 소매 약국을 통해 제공되는 개방 각도 녹내장 치료제의 수가 증가하고 있는 것도 시장의 성장을 지지하고 있습니다. 게다가 노년 인구의 다양한 노화와 관련된 눈 장애의 발생이 증가하고 있다는 점도 시장 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 게다가, 안전성과 효능을 향상시킨 혁신적인 점안약과 윤활제를 제조하기 위해 기술적으로 고급 방법을 채택하는 경우가 늘어나고 있는 것도 시장의 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
안 질환 증가
안구 증후군, 결막염, 녹내장 등 안 질환의 유병률 상승은 안약 및 윤활제 시장의 주요 촉진요인입니다. 이 외에도 장기간의 디지털 장비 사용, 환경 오염 및 라이프 스타일 변화가 이러한 질병의 발생률 증가에 기여합니다. 또한 당뇨병, 고혈압, 비만 등 라이프 스타일 선택과 관련하여 세계적으로 증가하는 경향이있는 질병은 눈 건강에 영향을 줄 수 있습니다. 예를 들어, 당뇨병성 망막증은 눈에 영향을 미치는 당뇨병의 합병증입니다. 또한, 급속한 도시화와 공해 증가가 안병 증가에 기여하고 있습니다. 대기 오염에 대한 노출은 안구 건조 증후군과 알레르기 성 결막염과 같은 증상과 관련이 있습니다. 다양한 안 질환의 발생이 증가하고 있기 때문에 이러한 질환에 수반하는 불쾌감, 가려움, 충혈, 건조감을 완화하는 안약 및 윤활제 수요가 세계에서 높아지고 있습니다.
연구 활동 증가
현재 노화, 라이프 스타일 변화, 환경 요인으로 인한 안 질환의 유병률 증가로 효과적인 안약 개발이 증가하고 있습니다. 또한 기술의 출현과 이에 따른 스크린 사용 시간 증가로 눈 피로나 건조에 시달리는 사람이 늘어나고 있으며, 혁신적인 솔루션에 대한 수요가 높아지고 있습니다. 게다가, 소비자의 기대와 요구가 진화하고 있기 때문에 연구자들은 즉시 완화를 가져오고, 눈의 불쾌감의 근본 원인에 대처하는 새로운 제형을 요구하게 되었습니다. 전통적인 안약은 종종 일시적인 완화를 일으키고 자주 점안해야 하지만 건조의 근본 원인을 충분히 해결할 수 없으며 수분이 오래 지속되지 않습니다. 이에 따라 지속적인 윤활을 제공하고 자연적인 눈물막을 효과적으로 회복시키고 눈의 쾌적함과 건강을 촉진할 수 있는 고급 제제에 대한 요구가 높아지고 있으며, 연구개발자는 효율적인 안약 및 윤활제의 개발에 임하고 있습니다.
스마트폰 및 태블릿 사용 확대
현재 스마트폰, 태블릿, 노트북 등 다양한 스마트 디바이스의 이용이 증가하고 있으며, 이용자의 눈에 부담을 주어 개인에서의 안구건조증의 발생률을 높이고 있습니다. 게다가 스마트폰은 고해상도의 스크린을 탑재하고 있어, 광 스펙트럼의 다른 색에 비해 파장이 짧고 에너지가 높은 블루 라이트를 방사하고 있습니다. 블루 라이트에 과도하게 노출되면 컴퓨터 비전 증후군이라고도 하는 디지털 눈 피로를 유발합니다. 스마트폰의 지속적인 사용은 종종 화면을 장시간 응시하는 것을 수반하며, 이러한 증상을 악화시켜 눈 질환의 유병률 상승의 원인이 되었습니다. 게다가 스마트폰의 지나친 사용은 다양한 안과 합병증의 발생과 다양한 안약 및 윤활제의 사용 증가로 이어지고 있습니다.
The global eye drops and lubricants market size reached USD 21.3 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 31.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.21% during 2025-2033. The growing cases of eye disorders, rising research and development (R&D) activities in the pharmaceutical sector, and increasing popularity of hormone therapy to minimize the risks associated with dry eye syndrome are some of the major factors propelling the market.
Eye drops and lubricants are essential products used for maintaining and improving eye health. They are designed to provide relief from various eye discomforts, lubricate the eyes, and promote overall eye health. They consist of artificial tears and vasoconstrictors, which help to ease redness by constricting the blood vessels in the eyes. They are available in a variety of formulations to address specific eye conditions and symptoms. They are used to prevent dryness, redness, itchiness, and irritation caused by factors, such as dry environments, prolonged screen time, allergies, or certain medical conditions.
At present, the increasing demand for eye drops and lubricants to alleviate symptoms and provide relief from discomfort in the eyes is impelling the growth of the market. Besides this, the rising awareness about the beneficial aspects of using eye drops and lubricants and the necessity of taking proper eye care is contributing to the growth of the market. In addition, the growing popularity of hormone therapy to minimize the risks associated with dry eye syndrome is offering a favorable market outlook. Apart from this, the increasing number of open-angle glaucoma therapeutics provided via retail pharmacies is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, the rising occurrence of various age-associated eye disorders in the geriatric population is propelling the growth of the market. Moreover, the increasing adoption of technologically advanced methods to manufacture innovative eye drops and lubricants with improved safety and efficacy is bolstering the growth of the market.
Rising cases of eye diseases
The rising prevalence of eye disorders, including dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, and glaucoma, is a key driver for the eye drops and lubricants market. Apart from this, prolonged digital device usage, environmental pollution, and changing lifestyles contribute to the growing incidence of these conditions. In addition, conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which are linked to lifestyle choices and are on the rise globally, can affect eye health. For instance, diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. Moreover, rapid urbanization and increased pollution are contributing to the increase in eye diseases. Exposure to air pollution is linked to conditions like dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis. As there is an increase in the occurrence of various eye disorders, the demand for eye drops and lubricants to provide relief from discomfort, itching, redness, and dryness associated with these disorders is rising around the world.
Increasing research-related activities
At present, there is an increase in the development of effective eye drops due to the growing prevalence of eye diseases caused by aging, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors. Besides this, with the advent of technology and the consequent increase in screen time, individuals are increasingly susceptible to eye strain and dryness, thereby driving the demand for innovative solutions. In addition, evolving expectations and demands of consumers are prompting researchers to seek novel formulations that provide instant relief and address the underlying causes of eye discomfort. Traditional eye drops often offer temporary relief, necessitating frequent application, and do not adequately address the root causes of dryness or provide long-lasting moisture. Consequently, the growing need for advanced formulations that can provide sustained lubrication and effectively restore the natural tear film to promote ocular comfort and health is encouraging researchers to develop efficient eye drops and lubricants.
Growing utilization of smartphones and tablets
At present, the increasing utilization of various smart devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, is exerting stress on the eyes of users and raising the incidence of dry eye disease in individuals. Besides this, smartphones are equipped with high-resolution screens that emit blue light, which has a shorter wavelength and higher energy compared to other colors on the light spectrum. Excessive exposure to blue light leads to digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome. The constant use of smartphones, often accompanied by prolonged periods of staring at screens, exacerbates these symptoms, contributing to the rising prevalence of eye diseases. Furthermore, the excessive use of smartphones is leading to an increase in the occurrence of various eye complications and the use of various eye drops and lubricants.
Antibiotics
Hormones
Artificial Tears
Others
Artificial tears dominate the market
Artificial tears are non-prescription, over-the-counter eye drops that are used to treat symptoms associated with dry eyes. They are designed to mimic the natural tears produced by our eyes and are a blend of water, salts, and polymers that enhance viscosity and lubrication. Artificial tears provide immediate symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome, such as burning, irritation, redness, and a sensation of having something in your eyes. Artificial tears also help maintain the health and integrity of the ocular surface. By providing a surrogate for the natural tear film, they ensure the eye remains well-hydrated and nourished, reducing the risk of damage to the cornea.
Eye Diseases
Dry Eye
Glaucoma
Conjunctivitis
Refractive Errors
Others
Eye Care
Eye diseases hold the largest share in the market
Eye drops and lubricants are significant tools in the management and treatment of a multitude of ocular conditions. The way they help cure eye diseases is multifaceted, depending on the active ingredient in the drops and the nature of the disease. They provide symptomatic relief by mimicking the natural tear film and lubricating the ocular surface. They are also used to treat bacterial infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or corneal ulcers. These medications contain substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria or kill them outright. They function by interfering with the replication of viruses while limiting the spread of infection and speed up the healing process.
North America
United States
Canada
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
Europe
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Middle East and Africa
North America exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest eye drops and lubricant market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.
North America held the biggest market share due to the rising occurrence of dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts among the aging population. Besides this, the prolonged screen time causing digital eye strain and dry eyes among the masses is propelling the growth of the market.
Another contributing aspect is the rising occurrence of eye allergies caused by climate change and rising levels of pollution. In addition, the increasing advancement in eye care treatments is supporting the growth of the market.
Asia Pacific is estimated to expand further in this domain due to the rising utilization of smartphones and laptops to access the internet. In addition, the growing construction of eye hospitals offering efficient eyecare services is positively influencing the market.
Key market players are investing in research operations to innovate and improve their eye drops and lubricants. They are also focusing on developing advanced formulations, ingredients, and delivery systems to enhance the effectiveness and comfort of their products. Top companies are striving to expand their product portfolios by introducing new eye drops and lubricants that cater to different consumer needs. They are also offering specialized products for dry eye relief, allergy relief, redness reduction, contact lens lubrication, and other specific eye care concerns. Leading companies are collaborating with healthcare professionals, including ophthalmologists and optometrists, to gain insights into patient needs and develop products tailored to those needs.
Akorn Operating Company LLC
Alcon
Allergan Plc (AbbVie Inc.)
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
Bayer AG
Johnson & Johnson
Maya Biotech Private Limited
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
Sager Pharma Kft
Similasan Corporation
Kindly note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.