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
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Key Statistics
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Base Year
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2024
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Forecast Years
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2025-2033
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Historical Years
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2019-2024
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Market Size in 2024
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USD 5.4 Billion |
Market Forecast in 2033
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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.
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.
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:
Breakup by Container Type:
Breakup by Formulation:
Breakup by Application:
Breakup by Distribution Channel:
Breakup by Region:
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 Features | Details |
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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) |
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.