Artificial Tears Market

Artificial Tears Market by Product Type (Cellulose Derived Tears, Glycerin Derived Tears, Polyethylene Glycol & Propylene Glycol-Based Tears, and Others), Formulation (Eye Drops, Eye Ointments, and Others), Application (Dry Eye Disease Treatment, Allergies & Infections, and Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies and Online Pharmacies), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) is expected to grow at a steady CAGR forecast till 2032 owing to the growing prevalence of dry eye disease globally and increasing product development and launch activities among the key players.

The artificial tears market was valued at USD 2,496.66 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of  8.16% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 to reach USD 4,662.67 million by 2032. The growing need for artificial tears is primarily driven by the rising global prevalence of the condition. A key contributing factor is the expanding geriatric population, which is more susceptible to developing dry eye symptoms due to age-related changes in tear production and ocular health. Additionally, increased product development and frequent new launches among the leading market players are further supporting market expansion. These trends are creating a favorable environment for sustained growth, positioning the artificial tears market for robust and steady expansion from 2025 to 2032.

Artificial Tears Market Dynamics:

According to a recent study published in the Ocular Surface (2024), in 2024, over 344 million people worldwide were affected by Dry Eye Disease (DED), underscoring a significant and growing disease burden. This rising prevalence is fueling the global demand for effective treatment options. Artificial tears play a vital role in relieving symptoms by moisturizing the eyes and reducing irritation, thereby driving the market growth.

According to the data from DelveInsight Analysis (2025) revealed that in 2023 alone, over 2.3 million males and 8.3 million females in Japan were diagnosed with DED. In the United Kingdom, the burden was similarly high, with approximately 2.8 million mild, 1.3 million moderate, and 2 million severe cases reported. Additionally, a 2023 study published in Nature estimated that around 400 million individuals in China suffered from DED, equating to roughly one to two out of every five people.

These alarming statistics highlight the widespread nature of the condition and emphasize the urgent need for targeted therapeutic interventions across diverse regions. This surge in dry eye disease cases, driven by increased screen time, aging populations, environmental pollution, and higher use of contact lenses, is fueling demand for artificial tears as the go-to OTC relief. As awareness grows through government initiatives and stronger screening, more people are seeking these lubricating eye drops. This rising prevalence, coupled with new advanced formulations, is driving the growth of the artificial tears market.

A particularly influential driver of market growth is the aging global population. Tear production tends to decline with age, resulting in insufficient lubrication of the ocular surface and increasing susceptibility to DED. According to data from the United Nations (2023), the number of individuals aged 65 years or older is projected to more than double from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050. The population aged 80 and older is expected to grow even more rapidly.

In response to this rising demand, key market players are accelerating the development of innovative treatment options. For instance, in May 2025, Alcon announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved TRYPTYR® (acoltremon ophthalmic solution) 0.003%, formerly known as AR-15512, for the treatment of signs and symptoms of DED. TRYPTYR is a first-in-class TRPM8 receptor agonist (neuromodulator) that stimulates corneal sensory nerves to promote natural tear production rapidly.

Similarly, in May 2025, Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. announced that its investigational drug candidate, 0.25% reproxalap ophthalmic solution, achieved the primary endpoint in a Phase 3 randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled dry eye chamber trial for the treatment of DED.

Together, these developments signal strong growth within the artificial tears market, as the combination of a growing patient base, increasing awareness, and technological advancement positions the industry for substantial growth from 2025 onward.

However, the complications and safety concerns associated with artificial tears and stringent regulatory requirements for product approval, among others, are some of the key constraints that may limit the growth of the artificial tears market.

Artificial Tears Market Segment Analysis:

Artificial Tears Market by Product Type (Cellulose Derived Tears, Glycerin Derived Tears, Polyethylene Glycol & Propylene Glycol-Based Tears, and Others), Formulation (Eye Drops, Eye Ointments, and Others), Application (Dry Eye Disease Treatment, Allergies & Infections, and Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies and Online Pharmacies), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

In the product type segment of the artificial tears market, the polyethylene glycol & propylene glycol-based tears category is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2024. This robust growth is primarily fueled by the increasing global prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) and the proven therapeutic efficacy of PEG and PG-based formulations in managing the condition.

PEG and PG-based artificial tears are essential in DED management as they effectively supplement natural tears, helping to maintain ocular surface moisture and providing immediate relief from symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and burning. These formulations create a protective barrier over the cornea and conjunctiva, reducing mechanical friction from blinking and eyelid movement, and offering longer-lasting relief compared to basic saline-based eye drops.

One of the notable advantages of PEG and PG-based artificial tears is their ability to trap moisture and prevent tear evaporation, which is particularly beneficial for patients with evaporative dry eye. They also alleviate discomfort such as gritty or sandy sensations, making daily tasks like screen use, reading, and working in dry environments more manageable and comfortable.

Moreover, these drops aid in restoring and stabilizing the tear film’s three essential layers, thereby improving ocular lubrication and preserving corneal health. This makes them especially suitable for individuals with chronic or severe forms of dry eye.

The market is also witnessing significant momentum due to increased R&D investments and product innovation by key players. For instance, in January 2022, Alcon announced the European launch of Systane® Complete Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops, now available in a convenient multi-dose bottle. This sterile white emulsion, containing propylene glycol, exemplifies ongoing advancements aimed at enhancing efficacy and user convenience.

Given their widespread use, ease of access, and proven clinical benefits, the polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol-based tears category is expected to significantly contribute to global market revenues and play a pivotal role in driving the overall growth of the artificial tears market throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

North America is expected to dominate the overall artificial tears market:

North America is projected to hold the largest share of the artificial tears market in 2024, driven by several key factors. This regional dominance is primarily attributed to the rising prevalence of dry eye disease and its associated risk factors, an increasing aging population, and ongoing product development and regulatory approvals by key market players. Collectively, these factors are positioning North America as the leading market in the global artificial tears market.

According to data from the National Institutes of Health (2025), nearly 16.4 million people in the United States were living with Dry Eye Disease (DED) in 2024. Further supporting this trend, DelveInsight Analysis (2025) reported that the total diagnosed prevalence of DED in the U.S. reached approximately 22.5 million cases in 2023. Similarly, data from Sjögren’s Canada (2022) indicated that over 30% of the Canadian population was affected by dry eye disease, reflecting the widespread nature of the condition across North America. The growing number of DED cases, driven by aging demographics, increased screen time, and environmental stressors, is fueling demand for artificial tears, thereby propelling the market expansion.

Population growth is also playing a pivotal role in market expansion. According to the Population Reference Bureau (2024), the number of people aged 65 and older in the United States is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, a 47% rise. This demographic shift will raise the share of older adults in the total population from 17% to 23%, significantly boosting demand for DED treatments, as aging is a major risk factor for the disease.

Market growth is further supported by a wave of recent product approvals and launches, reflecting continued innovation in the artificial tears space. In June 2023, Novaliq GmbH announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved VEVYE™ (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.1% for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. More recently, in February 2025, Alcon, a global leader in eye care, launched SYSTANE® PRO Preservative-Free (PF) in the United States. This over-the-counter eye drop features a unique triple-action, preservative-free formula and is currently the longest-lasting product in the SYSTANE range, offering extended relief from burning, dryness, and irritation.

Collectively, the rising disease burden, the expanding elderly population, and the continuous stream of innovative product introductions are expected to drive strong and sustained growth in the North American artificial tears market throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

Artificial Tears Market Key Players:

Some of the key market players operating in the artificial tears market include Alcon Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Sight Sciences, AbbVie Inc., Théa Laboratories, Bausch Health Companies Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc., Viatris Inc., Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MiBo Medical Group, Horus Pharma, OASIS Medical, Inc., VISUfarma, URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Novaliq GmbH, AFT Pharmaceuticals, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and others.

Recent Developmental Activities in the Artificial Tears Market:

• In May 2025, Grifols received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial of GRF312 Ophthalmic Solution, an immunoglobulin (IG) eye drop being developed as a potential new treatment for dry eye disease (DED).
• In January 2024, Alcon announced positive topline results from its two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials, COMET-2 and COMET-3, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of AR-15512, an investigational treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED).
• In September 2023, Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced the U.S. commercial launch of MIEBO (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). MIEBO is the first and only prescription eye drop approved specifically to target tear evaporation, addressing a key underlying cause of DED. 

Key takeaways from the artificial tears market report study

• Market size analysis for the current artificial tears market size (2024), and market forecast for 8 years (2025 to 2032)
• Top key product/technology developments, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures happened over the last 3 years.
• Key companies dominating the artificial tears market.
• Various opportunities available for the other competitors in the artificial tears market space.
• What are the top-performing segments in 2024? How these segments will perform in 2032?
• Which are the top-performing regions and countries in the current artificial tears market scenario?
• Which are the regions and countries where companies should have concentrated on opportunities for the artificial tears market growth in the future?

Target audience who can benefit from this artificial tears market report study

• Artificial tears product providers
• Research organizations and consulting companies
• Artificial tears-related organizations, associations, forums, and other alliances
• Government and corporate offices
• Start-up companies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
• Distributors and traders dealing in artificial tears
• Various end-users who want to know more about the artificial tears market and the latest technological developments in the artificial tears market. 

Frequently Asked Questions for the Artificial Tears Market:

1. What are artificial tears?

Artificial tears are specially formulated eye drops used to supplement the natural tear film, primarily to relieve dryness, irritation, and discomfort caused by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality. They help maintain moisture on the eye’s surface, promoting comfort and protecting the cornea and conjunctiva.

2. What is the market for artificial tears?

The artificial tears market was valued at USD 2,496.66 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of  8.16% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 to reach USD 4,662.67 million by 2032.

3. What are the drivers for the artificial tears market?

The growing need for artificial tears is primarily driven by the rising global prevalence of the condition. A key contributing factor is the expanding geriatric population, which is more susceptible to developing dry eye symptoms due to age-related changes in tear production and ocular health. Additionally, increased product development and frequent new product launches among the leading market players are further supporting market momentum. These trends are creating a favorable environment for sustained growth, positioning the artificial tears market for robust and steady expansion from 2025 to 2032.

4. Who are the key players operating in the artificial tears market?

Some of the key market players operating in the artificial tears market include Alcon Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Sight Sciences, AbbVie Inc., Théa Laboratories, Bausch Health Companies Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc., Viatris Inc., Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MiBo Medical Group, Horus Pharma, OASIS Medical, Inc., VISUfarma, URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Novaliq GmbH, AFT Pharmaceuticals, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and others.

5. Which region has the highest share in the artificial tears market?

North America is projected to hold the largest share of the artificial tears market in 2024, driven by several key factors. This regional dominance is primarily attributed to the rising prevalence of dry eye disease and its associated risk factors, an increasing aging population, and ongoing product development and regulatory approvals by key market players. Collectively, these factors are positioning North America as the leading market in the global artificial tears market.