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: SR112024A4958
Year End sale Buy Now

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.

Need more help?

  • Speak to our experienced analysts for insights on the current market scenarios.
  • Include additional segments and countries to customize the report as per your requirement.
  • Gain an unparalleled competitive advantage in your domain by understanding how to utilize the report and positively impacting your operations and revenue.
  • For further assistance, please connect with our analysts.
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​
Purchase Options Year End sale




Benefits of Customization

Personalize this research

Triangulate with your data

Get data as per your format and definition

Gain a deeper dive into a specific application, geography, customer, or competitor

Any level of personalization

Get in Touch With Us
UNITED STATES

Phone: +1-631-791-1145

INDIA

Phone: +91-120-433-0800

UNITED KINGDOM

Phone: +44-753-714-6104

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Client Testimonials

Aktive Services

IMARC made the whole process easy. Everyone I spoke with via email was polite, easy to deal with, kept their promises regarding delivery timelines and were solutions focused. From my first contact, I was grateful for the professionalism shown by the whole IMARC team. I recommend IMARC to all that need timely, affordable information and advice. My experience with IMARC was excellent and I can not fault it.

Read More
Greenfish S.A.

The IMARC team was very reactive and flexible with regard to our requests. A very good overall experience. We are happy with the work that IMARC has provided, very complete and detailed. It has contributed to our business needs and provided the market visibility that we required

Read More
Colruyt Group

We were very happy with the collaboration between IMARC and Colruyt. Not only were your prices competitive, IMARC was also pretty fast in understanding the scope and our needs for this project. Even though it was not an easy task, performing a market research during the COVID-19 pandemic, you were able to get us the necessary information we needed. The IMARC team was very easy to work with and they showed us that it would go the extra mile if we needed anything extra

Read More
KRISHAK BHARATI CO-OP LTD

Last project executed by your team was as per our expectations. We also would like to associate for more assignments this year. Kudos to your team.

Read More
Zee Media Corp. Ltd.

We would be happy to reach out to IMARC again, if we need Market Research/Consulting/Consumer Research or any associated service. Overall experience was good, and the data points were quite helpful.

Read More
Arabian Plastic Manufacturing Company Ltd.

The figures of market study were very close to our assumed figures. The presentation of the study was neat and easy to analyse. The requested details of the study were fulfilled. My overall experience with the IMARC Team was satisfactory.

Read More
Sumitomo Corporation

The overall cost of the services were within our expectations. I was happy to have good communications in a timely manner. It was a great and quick way to have the information I needed.

Read More
Hameln Rds

My questions and concerns were answered in a satisfied way. The costs of the services were within our expectations. My overall experience with the IMARC Team was very good.

Read More
Quality Consultants BV

I agree the report was timely delivered, meeting the key objectives of the engagement. We had some discussion on the contents, adjustments were made fast and accurate. The response time was minimum in each case. Very good. You have a satisfied customer.

Read More
TATA Advanced Systems Limited

We would be happy to reach out to IMARC for more market reports in the future. The response from the account sales manager was very good. I appreciate the timely follow ups and post purchase support from the team. My overall experience with IMARC was good.

Read More
Stax

IMARC was a good solution for the data points that we really needed and couldn't find elsewhere. The team was easy to work, quick to respond, and flexible to our customization requests.

Read More
DEinternational Egypt

IMARC did an outstanding job in preparing our study. They were punctual and precise, delivering all the data we required in a clear and well-organized format. Their attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines was impressive, making them a reliable partner for our project.

Read More
Gulf Excellent Group

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your efforts in handling this matter. Your dedication and commitment have truly been commendable. It is evident that you have put in a tremendous amount of hard work and expertise into resolving the issues at hand. I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that we are greatly interested

Read More
FS Corporation Inc.

Overall, the deliverable was well organized and my experience with the project team was good. In particular, I appreciated how they responded when I requested additional information and the Japanese version.

Read More
Egyptian Industrial Investment Group

The IMARC team were extremely professional and very cooperative. The team were also extremely flexible in making changes and modifications wherever required. The entire experience right from project kick-off to after sales support was fruitful and smooth.

Read More
Vishnu Chemicals

I’d like to express my gratitude for the work you accomplished with the industry report. The way you responded to the requirements and delivered under tight timelines shows your expertise, exceptional work ethic and commitment to your customer’s success. The entire team and company are incredibly thankful for your dedication. Once again, thank you

Read More
MOUNT EVEREST BREWERIES LIMITED

The market reports from IMARC have been instrumental in guiding our business strategies. We found the reports comprehensive and data-driven, which helped us make informed decisions. The detailed insights and actionable data have consistently provided us with a competitive edge in a rapidly changing alcohol market.

Read More
Borges Branded Foods

One of the best things about IMARC is their flexibility and predisposition to tailor the reports and adapt to our needs. They are not just great in their researching and consulting solutions, but their service is unparallelled. We’ve worked with them a couple of times and we will keep working with them in future projects.

Read More
Godrej Consumer Products Limited

We recently commissioned multiple market research reports from IMARC, and the insights we received were invaluable. The depth of analysis, accuracy of data, and actionable recommendations have greatly enhanced our strategic decision-making.

Read More
ADC Therapeutics

The market estimates provided by your team were pretty much in line with what we were theorizing internally. Really appreciate the work on this.

Read More
Ivanti

The sale account manager and the service was excellent. The data and market trends gathered from the report was insightful and really assisted while planning future product and growth strategies.

Read More
Asiatic Electrical & Switchgear P. Ltd.

The report is excellent and has good amount of data and our team is extremely happy with the information provided.

Read More
Denka Co., Ltd.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and post purchase support. We were really happy with the final deliverable, and the takeaways from the report.

Read More