Ophthalmic Drugs Market

Visiongain has published a new report entitled Ophthalmic Drugs Market Report 2026-2036 (Including Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs): Forecasts by Indication ((Retinal Disorders (Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy/Diabetic Macular Oedema, Others), Infection/Inflammation/Allergy, Glaucoma, Dry Eye, Others)), by Type (Prescription Drugs, OTC Drugs), by Route of Administration (Topical, Parenteral), by Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores, Online Pharmacies), by Drug Type (Branded Drugs, Generic Drugs), by Drug Class (Anti-VEGF Agents, Anti-Glaucoma Drugs, Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Infective Drugs, Anti-Allergy Drugs, Others), AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.

The global ophthalmic drugs market is estimated at US$41.88 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period 2026-2036.

Impact of US Trade Tariffs on the Global Ophthalmic Drugs Market

US trade tariffs have the potential to influence the global ophthalmic drugs market primarily through cost inflation and supply chain realignment rather than direct demand contraction. A significant proportion of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished formulations used in ophthalmic drugs are manufactured across Asia, particularly in India and China. Any tariff escalation affecting pharmaceutical imports into the United States would increase input costs for manufacturers and distributors operating within the US market. While large biopharmaceutical companies may be able to partially absorb or pass through these costs, generic manufacturers and smaller speciality players could experience margin compression. In parallel, tariff uncertainty may accelerate strategic moves toward domestic manufacturing or diversified sourcing, though such transitions require substantial capital investment and regulatory revalidation. Over time, prolonged trade friction could reshape global production footprints, influence pricing dynamics, and introduce short-term supply volatility within selected ophthalmic drug segments, particularly generics and sterile injectable products.

Expanding Role of AI in Early Detection and Care Pathway Optimisation

Artificial intelligence is increasingly transitioning from research application to commercial deployment within ophthalmology, creating tangible impact across screening and diagnostic workflows. AI-enabled retinal imaging systems are supporting earlier detection of high-prevalence conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, enabling faster referrals and earlier therapeutic intervention. This strengthens the link between diagnostics and pharmaceutical demand, particularly within retinal drug segments.

A clear commercial example is the FDA-cleared autonomous AI system developed by Digital Diagnostics (formerly IDx), which enables automated diabetic retinopathy screening in primary care settings without specialist interpretation. The platform has been deployed across US healthcare networks, demonstrating how AI integration expands the addressable treated population and enhances care efficiency. For pharmaceutical stakeholders, such real-world adoption reinforces how digital diagnostics can indirectly accelerate prescription volumes and improve long-term disease management outcomes.

How will this Report Benefit you?

Visiongain’s 393-page report provides 146 tables and 228 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the ophthalmic drugs market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for Ophthalmic Drugs. Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, process, upstream, downstream, and company size and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing ophthalmic drugs market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Growth of Biologics and Anti-VEGF Agents

The rapid expansion of biologics, led by anti-VEGF agents, continues to be a central growth driver in the ophthalmic drugs market. Anti-VEGF therapies have become the clinical standard for the treatment of retinal disorders including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion—indications that account for a significant and growing share of prescription ophthalmic drug demand. The rising global burden of diabetes and age-related eye diseases has reinforced long-term treatment requirements, supporting sustained utilisation of biologic therapies within hospital-based ophthalmology settings.

At the same time, innovation within the biologics segment is reshaping market dynamics. Development efforts are increasingly focused on longer-acting molecules, dual-pathway inhibitors, and improved delivery profiles that reduce injection frequency and improve patient adherence. These advances are strengthening the dominance of parenteral administration routes and reinforcing the role of hospital pharmacies as primary distribution channels for high-value ophthalmic biologics. As reimbursement coverage improves and access to retinal specialists expands—particularly across Asia Pacific—the uptake of branded biologic therapies is extending beyond mature markets, supporting both volume growth and premium pricing within the ophthalmic drugs market.

The commercial uptake of Vabysmo (faricimab), developed by Roche/Genentech, illustrates the strength of this driver. Positioned as a next-generation anti-VEGF biologic for retinal disorders, the therapy has seen rapid adoption across major markets due to its extended dosing potential and strong clinical efficacy, reinforcing biologics as the highest-value drug class within ophthalmology.

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Eye Disorders

The rising prevalence of chronic eye disorders is a primary driver of growth in the ophthalmic drugs market, with demand increasingly concentrated in retinal and optic nerve diseases rather than vision correction alone. Retinal disorders, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are expanding globally, driven by ageing populations, lifestyle-related risk factors and the growing burden of diabetes. Among these, retinal disorders are projected to generate the largest demand due to their progressive nature, high treatment intensity and reliance on specialist pharmacological intervention.

Ageing demographics are a critical underlying factor, as susceptibility to retinal degeneration, glaucoma and macular disease rises sharply after the age of 50. In parallel, the global increase in diabetes prevalence is directly translating into higher incidence of diabetic retinopathy, reinforcing long-term demand for sustained ophthalmic treatment. Unlike refractive conditions, these diseases require continuous clinical management and are major contributors to irreversible vision loss, strengthening their impact on prescription drug utilisation.

This epidemiological shift is accelerating adoption of advanced therapies, particularly biologics and anti-VEGF agents, which now represent both dominant and fast-growing drug classes in ophthalmology. Prescription drugs continue to account for the majority of market value, reflecting physician reliance on targeted, disease-modifying treatments, while topical formulations remain important for patient convenience and long-term adherence in selected indications. The growing burden of vision impairment is also driving increased investment in research and development, including long-acting delivery systems and novel administration technologies. With Asia Pacific emerging as the fastest-growing regional market, rising eye disorder prevalence is reshaping global demand patterns, access strategies and innovation priorities across the ophthalmic drugs market.

Where are the Market Opportunities?

E-Commerce and Online Pharmacies Unlock New Market Opportunities

The expansion of online pharmacies and e-commerce is substantially driving the transformation of the ophthalmic drugs market. This expansion into digital platforms is generating new opportunities for both pharmaceutical companies and patients by enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of eye care.

Patients are now more inclined to order medications online rather than visiting brick-and-mortar pharmacies, which is why the convenience of online pharmacies has become increasingly appealing, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. This trend is further bolstered by the integration of telehealth services, which enables ophthalmologists to conduct virtual consultations, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medications that patients can directly purchase online. Consistent medication usage is essential for chronic conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, and this simplified process improves patient adherence.

Additionally, the demand for ophthalmic drugs is influenced by the aging population, increased screen time, and the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy and dry eye syndrome. These demands are more effectively met by online platforms, which are better equipped to provide a diverse selection of both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and have a broader reach.

Bausch + Lomb Corp. launched Opal, a new digital marketplace aimed at expanding its e-commerce presence in the United States. Officially introduced on October 2, 2024, Opal is designed to cater to both eye care professionals and consumers, offering a streamlined platform for purchasing a wide range of ophthalmic products. This initiative underscores Bausch + Lomb’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions to enhance access to eye care, supporting both the medical community and patients with greater convenience and efficiency. The Opal platform is expected to provide an integrated online shopping experience, enabling eye doctors to access specialized products while allowing consumers to shop for their eye care needs directly.

On 3^rd April 2025, GoodRx Holdings, Inc announced a new e-commerce experience for retail pharmacies designed to streamline how consumers obtain their prescription medications through the GoodRx platform, launching the initiative with Midwest-based retailer Hy-Vee. The updated system automatically checks pharmacy inventory when a customer searches for a medication, verifies the prescription on file, and enables online payment before in-store pickup, with options for credit card or pay-over-time payment.

Long-Acting Drug Delivery Systems Redefining Treatment Economics

A significant emerging opportunity within the ophthalmic drugs market lies in the advancement of long-acting drug delivery systems designed to reduce treatment burden and improve patient adherence. Frequent intravitreal injections remain a major limitation in retinal disease management, creating logistical, clinical, and economic pressures for both patients and healthcare systems. Innovations such as sustained-release implants, extended-duration biologics, refillable delivery devices, and micro-dosing technologies are positioned to fundamentally shift treatment paradigms. These solutions aim to extend dosing intervals, reduce hospital visits, and enhance real-world compliance—factors that directly influence long-term therapeutic outcomes. As payers increasingly prioritise value-based care and patient-centric treatment models, therapies that demonstrate reduced administration frequency while maintaining efficacy are likely to command competitive advantage. Companies investing in advanced delivery platforms are therefore not only improving clinical convenience but also unlocking premium positioning opportunities within high-value retinal and chronic ophthalmic disease segments. Supporting this trend, on 4 February 2025 Roche reported that its Susvimo® Port Delivery System with ranibizumab delivered sustained efficacy with extended refill intervals in wet age-related macular degeneration compared with traditional monthly injections, underlining how long-acting systems are reshaping treatment economics in real-world practice.

Competitive Landscape

The major players operating in the ophthalmic drugs market are AbbVie Inc., Alcon, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Bausch + Lomb Corporation, Breye Therapeutics ApS, EyeBio, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Nicox, Novartis AG, Novaliq GmbH, Pfizer Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., SpliceBio, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Viatris Inc. among others. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, investment in R&D, collaborations, partnerships, regional business expansion, and new product launch.

Recent Developments

On 22^nd January 2026, Bayer AG and its wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary BlueRock Therapeutics LP, a clinical stage cell therapy company, announced that its investigational cell therapy, OpCT-001, received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA for treating retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
On 16^th January 2026, The European Commission has granted marketing authorization in the European Union (EU) for Eylea™ 8 mg (aflibercept 8 mg, 114.3 mg/ml solution for injection) for the treatment of patients with visual impairment due to macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) including branch, central and hemiretinal vein occlusion. RVO is the third indication for Eylea 8 mg.
On 23^rd December 2025, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced the launch in China of Verkazia®, for the treatment of severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in children and young adults. Through this launch, Santen seeks to provide a new treatment option for patients aged four years and older with severe VKC and help them improve their academic and daily life as well as overall Quality of Life (QOL).
On 29^th July 2025, Alcon announced the U.S. commercial availability of TRYPTYR® (acoltremon ophthalmic solution) 0.003%, the latest innovation for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease (DED). Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May, Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) across the U.S. can officially begin prescribing TRYPTYR to their patients, expanding their DED treatment options for the more than 30 million Americans suffering with dry eye symptoms.

About Visiongain

Established in 1998, Visiongain is an independent publisher of analyst-led market intelligence, delivering data-driven research, forecasts, and strategic insight across global industries and emerging markets. Visiongain supports evidence-based decision-making for investment, procurement, and long-term strategic planning.