Prescription vs. OTC Ophthalmic Drugs: Market Share and Consumer Trends

The global ophthalmic drugs market size is expected to reach USD 62.08 billion by 2030, garnering a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The rising awareness about ophthalmic disorders and the surge in demand for ophthalmic drugs are the factors propelling the market growth. Moreover, an increase in the prevalence of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and others are anticipated to boost the demand for ophthalmic drugs.

According to BrightFocus Foundation in 2021, it is estimated that over 3 million Americans are living with glaucoma, and, among them over 2.7 million patients were affected by the most common type of glaucoma i.e. open-angle glaucoma. Moreover, 3.3 million people are affected by blindness and low vision in the U.S. Some of the major risk factors for glaucoma and blindness are, higher age, family history, thin cornea, and high eye pressure. This creates a wide population base for ophthalmic drugs, thereby, ensuring lucrative growth.

Furthermore, ocular therapeutic and drug delivery companies are receiving funding to expedite RD for advancements in technologies to develop novel drugs, which is likely to fuel market growth. For instance, in June 2020, Re-Vana Therapeutics received USD 3.25 million in pre-series A funding from Qubis, ExSight Ventures, LLC, Clarendon Fund Managers, Visionary Ventures, and Techstart Ventures LLP. The funding is expected to boost the development of Re-Vana Therapeutics’ EyeLief OcuLief biodegradable technologies that can be used for a small molecule as well as biologics delivery.

Moreover, the rising geriatric population is the key driver for the ophthalmic drugs market growth. According to Safe Eyes America, the most common risk factors for ophthalmic diseases are high age, family history, diabetes, and high blood pressure. For instance, as per AMERICA’s HEALTH RANKINGS senior report 2021 it was estimated that more than 54 million adults of age more than 65 live in the U.S., and that population accounted for 16.5% of the total population. According to Macular Degeneration Research AMD is the leading reason for blindness in U.S. people over the age of 60.

Ongoing regulatory approvals for ophthalmic products are likely to support market growth. For instance, in June 2022 Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd announced that it has got marketing and manufacturing approval for the dry eye disease treatment DIQUAS LX ophthalmic solution in Japan. This solution is the improved formulation that has reduced dosing frequency and improved patient compliance.

Ophthalmic Drugs Market Report Highlights

Anti-VEGF agents segment held the largest share in 2024 owing to their rising demand and lesser adverse effects
Retinal disorders held the largest market share in 2024 owing to the rising prevalence of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy
The topical route of administration dominated the market in 2024 owing to factors such as the benefits of the topical route as it delivers the drug to the targeted site and ease of use
The eye drops segment is expected to hold the largest share in 2024 owing to rising demand for eye drops, high patient compliance, and availability of OTC products
Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth over the forecast period due to advancements in healthcare infrastructure, increasing demand for eye products, and a large patient pool

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Ophthalmic Drugs Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global ophthalmic drugs market report based on drug class, disease, dosage form, route of administration, product type, drug type, and region:

Ophthalmic Drugs Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Anti-allergy
Anti-inflammatory
- Non-steroidal drugs
- Steroids
Non-steroidal drugs
Steroidal drugs
Anti-VEGF Agents
Anti-glaucoma
Others

Ophthalmic Drugs Disease Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Dry eye
- Gels
- Eye solutions suspensions
- Capsules Tablets,
- Eye drops
- Ointments
Allergies
- Gels
- Eye solutions suspensions
- Capsules Tablets,
- Eye drops
- Ointments
Glaucoma
- Gels
- Eye solutions suspensions
- Capsules Tablets,
- Eye drops
- Ointments
Infection
- Gels
- Eye solutions suspensions
- Capsules Tablets,
- Eye drops
- Ointments
Retinal Disorders
- By Type
  - Macular Degeneration
  - Diabetic Retinopathy
  - Others
- By Dosage Type
  - Gels
  - Eye solutions suspensions
  - Capsules Tablets,
  - Eye drops
  - Ointments
- Uveitis
  - Gels
  - Eye solutions suspensions
  - Capsules Tablets,
  - Eye drops
  - Ointments
- Others
  - Gels
  - Eye solutions suspensions
  - Capsules Tablets,
  - Eye drops
  - Ointments