OTC Artificial Tears Market Report by Product (Solution, Ointment, Emulsion, Gel, Spray Solution, Suspensions), Container Type (Plastic Single Dose Container, Plastic Multi-Dose Container, and Others), Formulation (Preservative Based, Non-Preservative Based), Application (Dry Eye Syndrome, Allergies, Infections, UV and Blue Light Protection, Contact Lens Moisture Retention, and Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Store and Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), and Region ​2025-2033​

OTC Artificial Tears Market Report by Product (Solution, Ointment, Emulsion, Gel, Spray Solution, Suspensions), Container Type (Plastic Single Dose Container, Plastic Multi-Dose Container, and Others), Formulation (Preservative Based, Non-Preservative Based), Application (Dry Eye Syndrome, Allergies, Infections, UV and Blue Light Protection, Contact Lens Moisture Retention, and Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Store and Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), and Region ​2025-2033​

Report Format: PDF+Excel | Report ID: SR112025A4958

Market Overview:

The global OTC artificial tears market size reached USD 5.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 8.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during 2025-2033.

Report Attribute 
Key Statistics
Base Year
2024
Forecast Years
2025-2033
Historical Years
2019-2024
Market Size in 2024
USD 5.4 Billion
Market Forecast in 2033
USD 8.0 Billion
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033 4.4%


Over the Counter (OTC) artificial tears are eye drops that are used for lubricating eyes and providing relief from pain, discomfort, burning, redness, photophobia and irritation in the eyes. They are manufactured using dextran, glycerin, propylene glycol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and carboxymethylcellulose. Artificial tears are widely used for the treatment of dry eyes, which is a medical condition when sufficient moisture or lubrication is not generated on the conjunctiva, cornea or entire surface of the eye. OTC artificial tears are biocompatible and aid in stabilizing the tear film, promoting healing and minimizing tear evaporation. In addition to this, OTC artificial tears are also available in ointment, spray, emulsion, solution and gel forms that are highly convenient use.

OTC Artificial Tears Market

OTC Artificial Tears Market Trends:

The rising geriatric population that is prone to chronic eye-related disorders is one of the key factors driving the growth of the market. Due to the increasing prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES), diabetes and nutritional deficiencies, there is a rising demand for OTC artificial tears to provide immediate relief from discomfort in the eyes. Additionally, the increasing utilization of electronics, such as smartphones, televisions (TVs) and laptops, leading to excessive screen time and eye fatigue, is positively impacting the adoption of OTC artificial tears. Various product innovations, such as the development of variants fortified with blink-activated coatings, are providing a thrust to the market growth. These coatings provide ocular hydration to patients suffering from evaporative dry eye syndrome. In line with this, the widespread product adoption with contact lenses to facilitate the flow of oxygen to the cornea and prevent dryness on the surface of the eyes is favoring the market growth. Other factors, including rising levels of pollution, especially in the urban regions, along with the increasing health consciousness among the masses, are anticipated to drive the market toward growth.

Key Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global OTC artificial tears market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product, container type, formulation, application and distribution channel.

Breakup by Product:

OTC Artificial Tears Market By Product

  • Solution
  • Ointment
  • Emulsion
  • Gel
  • Spray Solution
  • Suspensions
     

Breakup by Container Type:

  • Plastic Single Dose Container
  • Plastic Multi-Dose Container
  • Others
     

Breakup by Formulation:

  • Preservative Based
  • Non-Preservative Based
     

Breakup by Application:

  • Dry Eye Syndrome
  • Allergies
  • Infections
  • UV and Blue Light Protection
  • Contact Lens Moisture Retention
  • Others
     

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Drug Store and Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
     

Breakup by Region:

OTC Artificial Tears Market By Region

  • 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

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being AbbVie Inc., Akorn Inc., Alcon, Bausch Health Companies Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Nicox S.A., OASIS Medical, OCuSOFT Inc., Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Similasan Corporation, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH.

Report Coverage:

Report Features Details
Base Year of the Analysis 2024
Historical Period 2019-2024
Forecast Period 2025-2033
Units Billion USD
Segment Coverage Product, Container Type, Formulation, Application, Distribution Channel, Region
Region Covered  Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa
Countries Covered United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico
Companies Covered AbbVie Inc., Akorn Inc., Alcon, Bausch Health Companies Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Nicox S.A., OASIS Medical, OCuSOFT Inc., Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Similasan Corporation, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH.
Customization Scope 10% Free Customization
Post-Sale Analyst Support 10-12 Weeks
Delivery Format PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request)

Key Questions Answered in This Report

The global OTC artificial tears market was valued at USD 5.4 Billion in 2024.

We expect the global OTC artificial tears market to exhibit a CAGR of 4.4% during 2025-2033.

The rising prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES), diabetes, and nutritional deficiencies, along with the increasing demand for OTC artificial tears to provide immediate relief from discomfort in the eye, is primarily driving the global OTC artificial tears market.

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the changing consumer inclination from conventional brick-and-mortar distribution channels towards online retail platforms for purchasing OTC artificial tears.

Based on the product, the global OTC artificial tears market can be segmented into solution, ointment, emulsion, gel, spray solution, and suspensions. Currently, solution holds the majority of the total market share.

Based on the container type, the global OTC artificial tears market has been divided into plastic single dose container, plastic multi-dose container, and others. Among these, plastic multi-dose container currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market.

Based on the formulation, the global OTC artificial tears market can be categorized into preservative based and non-preservative based. Currently, preservative based accounts for the majority of the global market share.

Based on the application, the global OTC artificial tears market has been segregated into dry eye syndrome, allergies, infections, UV and blue light protection, contact lens moisture retention, and others. Among these, dry eye syndrome currently holds the largest market share.

Based on the distribution channel, the global OTC artificial tears market can be bifurcated into hospital pharmacies, drug store and retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Currently, drug store and retail pharmacies exhibit a clear dominance in the market.

On a regional level, the market has been classified into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa, where North America currently dominates the global market.

Some of the major players in the global OTC artificial tears market include AbbVie Inc., Akorn Inc., Alcon, Bausch Health Companies Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Nicox S.A., OASIS Medical, OCuSOFT Inc., Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Similasan Corporation, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH.

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OTC Artificial Tears Market Report by Product (Solution, Ointment, Emulsion, Gel, Spray Solution, Suspensions), Container Type (Plastic Single Dose Container, Plastic Multi-Dose Container, and Others), Formulation (Preservative Based, Non-Preservative Based), Application (Dry Eye Syndrome, Allergies, Infections, UV and Blue Light Protection, Contact Lens Moisture Retention, and Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Store and Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), and Region ​2025-2033​
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