The growing global ophthalmic eyedroppers market is expected to be driven by the increasing prevalence of eye disease and disorders such as Glaucoma, Dry Eye Disease, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Moreover, the increasing ageing population further propels the market growth as there is higher incidence of age-related eye conditions.
Glaucoma, which is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, represents a group of optic neuropathies characterised by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Open-angle Glaucoma (OAG) is the most common form of Glaucoma, carrying a chronic prognosis and making up 75–95% of primary cases.
Angle-closure Glaucoma (ACG) can either be acute or chronic, but typically has a faster progression than OAG and, therefore, requires more drastic interventions. These two main types often require the use of eyedrops to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage. With the ageing population, the demand for Glaucoma medications administered via eyedroppers is also expected to increase, thereby driving market growth. For example, elderly people are six times more likely to develop Glaucoma after the age of 60.
The Dry Eye segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023, owing to its rising prevalence. The definition of a Dry Eye according to the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II is: “Dry Eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterised by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiologic roles.” One increasingly common extrinsic risk factor for Dry Eye is digital screen use (eg, computer, laptop, tablet, and smartphone use), which is thought to contribute to its development by affecting blinking dynamics.
Other factors contributing to Dry Eye include ageing, air pollution, and hormonal changes. Eye drops or artificial tears are a primary treatment options to alleviate symptoms by lubricating the eyes and providing moisture.
Given the growing ophthalmic eyedroppers market, owing largely to the increase in ageing population, drug delivery device designers and manufacturers must strive not only to understand but to provide solutions for patients encountering administration challenges and to improve at home eye care management. One way of gaining insight into the patient journey is via testimonials and reviews of real patients using existing products on the market.
