Glaucoma Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Disease Type (Open Angle Glaucoma, Angle Closure Glaucoma), By Drug Class (Prostaglandins Analogs, Beta-blockers), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global glaucoma market size was estimated at USD 8.03 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.61% from 2023 to 2030. Some of the major factors influencing market expansion are the rising incidences of glaucoma and the increasing demand for innovative therapeutic approaches. According to the National Glaucoma Research, in 2022, open-angle glaucoma, one of the most prevalent types of glaucoma, affected 2.7 million people in the United States, who are 40 years of age and older. Glaucoma currently affects 80 million people globally, and the number is projected to rise to nearly 111 million by 2040. In addition, as per the reports published in June 2023, by Glaucoma Journal, the U.S. reported 3 million cases of glaucoma.

The market’s growth is driven by other factors such as the family history of the ailment, other medical diseases like diabetes, and the usage of corticosteroid medications. Eye drops, oral drugs, laser therapy, and surgery are among the treatment options offered in the glaucoma market. The kind and severity of the disease determine the choice of treatment. Pharmaceuticals with greater efficacy are still needed, although the presence of compounds with continuous release in the pipeline is expected to fill this gap in the future years.

Moreover, government and private entities are involved in initiating the programs to educate people on the treatments and care for glaucoma disease. For instance, World Glaucoma Association initiated World Glaucoma Week globally from 12 March 2023 to 18 March 2023. International organizations, key stakeholders, and industry players participated in the event to educate the people about rising awareness of glaucoma disease, measures, and treatment to counter the side effects of the disease.

The rising R&D in the ophthalmology sector is strengthening the focus on conditions such as glaucoma. For instance, Nicox SA declared in October 2022 that NCX 470 0.1%, the company's medication, successfully treated intraocular pressure (IOP) in Phase 3 clinical studies. Other well-known molecules under development include GS010 by GenSight and QLS-101 by Qlaris Bio. The competition amongst the current companies is anticipated to increase in the projection period due to the presence of a robust pipeline. However, the stringent regulatory environment for ophthalmic medications significantly inhibits market growth.

Moreover, to lower the increased levels of IOP, pharmaceutical companies are developing anti-glaucoma pharmaceuticals such as prostaglandin analogs coupled with two or more medications propelling the market growth. Factors such as the development of advanced glaucoma diagnostic methods and healthcare infrastructure advancements are projected to fuel the growth.

Furthermore, the increasing regulatory approvals for clinical trials and novel product launches are propelling industry growth. For instance, in June 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of OMLONTI eye drops developed by Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and UBE Corporation. OMLONTI reduces high Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The industry experienced a slowdown in market expansion and revenue generation during the COVID-19 pandemic years, attributable to the lockdowns implemented in numerous economies. Additionally, COVID-19 patients were given priority, and all available resources were utilized due to a lack of healthcare facilities. Moreover, numerous ophthalmology clinics were converted into COVID-19 wards, which hindered patient follow-up.

Furthermore, the elderly population was fearful of getting sick; hence, fewer patients attended clinical settings, reducing the demand in the market. For instance, a report was published in November 2021, by the National Library of Medicine, which evaluated the COVID-19 fear among the elderly population. The study's findings indicated that patients taking anticoagulants and women had the greatest levels of concern about getting COVID-19 viral infection. Moreover, fear of COVID-19 was more likely in older adults with higher anxiety levels. However, throughout the outbreak, telemedicine platforms allowed patients to receive care quickly, spurring industry expansion.

Disease Type Insights

The open-angle glaucoma segment held the largest market share of 76.09% in 2022 and is projected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. This is due to the increasing incidence of age-associated eye disorders such as blur vision, vascular disorders, and sleep apnea. The increasing adoption of hyposensitive medications to reduce intraocular pressure is anticipated to propel segment growth.

Globally, the open-angle glaucoma segment's growth is responsible for a large increase in open-angle glaucoma incidence. As per the article published by the British Journal of Ophthalmology in July 2021, the POAG (Primary Open Angle Glaucoma), which affected 2% of adults over 40 and 10% of people over 75, was the most common type of glaucoma in the UK. The overall segment is growing as a result of the growing usage of hypotensive drops to reduce intraocular pressure.

Pharmaceutical companies made significant investments in developing novel medications for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma due to the disease's high prevalence. In addition, multiple businesses recently received approval for their open-angle glaucoma treatments and products. Aerie Pharmaceuticals, for instance, reported in March 2019 that the US FDA has approved Rocklatan 0.02%/0.005% dose to lower increased IOP for people with open-angle corneal glaucoma or visual hypertension. In May 2019, the business introduced the Rocklatan in the US. Therefore, late-stage clinical medications and recently approved pharmaceuticals are anticipated to drive the market's growth over the forecast period.

Drug Class Insights

The prostaglandins analogs segment held the largest market share of 41.75 % in 2022, which can be attributed to the growing use of prostaglandin medications in combination therapy. It is aimed at lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and has fewer adverse effects than other treatments, which is expected to propel the market demand. Due to the increasing popularity, effectiveness, and ease of use (typically administered once daily), prostaglandin analogs are predicted to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period; ophthalmologists choose attributable to high efficacy and favorable safety profile, prostaglandin analogs as a first-line therapy choice.

The four prostaglandin analogs that are on the market for the treatment of glaucoma are latanoprost, travoprost, and tafluprost. For instance, in June 2021, as per the reports published by the National Library Of Medicine In clinical trials, it was found that the ingestion of tafluprost, travoprost, and latanoprost had a 14.03%, 14.70%, and 12.28% IOP(elevated intraocular pressure)-lowering effect. Since the optic nerve and lamina cribrosa can withstand a limited amount of IOP stress before developing glaucoma, extremely low IOP may be considered a component that stops the disease from progressing.

Over time, the prostaglandin analogs segment has experienced a tremendous revenue generation surge, propelled by rising glaucoma prevalence, an aging population, and rising awareness and diagnosis of the disease. To provide patients with practical treatment alternatives, fixed-dose combination drugs have been introduced in the market. For instance, as per the article published on October 2019 by the European Journal Of Ophthalmology, patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were given the twice-daily 1% of brinzolamide /0.2% of brimonidine (twice daily) with the fixed-dose combination (BBFC) as an addition to a prostaglandin analog to assess the additive intraocular pressure-lowering impact.

Distribution Channel Insights

The hospital pharmacy segment held the largest market share of 48.30% of the glaucoma market in 2022. The inclination of patients, particularly the elderly population, to receive treatment in outpatient settings is a major factor in the segment's rise. Hospital pharmacies are located at specialized glaucoma clinics. These clinics have qualified optometrists and ophthalmologists who can perform comprehensive eye exams and prescribe accurate treatments. As a result, patients can conveniently receive specialized care in the comfortable environment of a hospital pharmacy.

Hospital pharmacies dispense prescription medicines used to treat glaucoma, including eye drops that lower intraocular pressure and, in some situations, oral drugs. To ensure proper drug selection, dosage, and patient counseling, pharmacists are essential. Hospital pharmacies are a source for patients seeking additional assistance or information on their disease. This may be providing resources for financial assistance programs, connecting people with support groups, or referring them to ophthalmologists or other eye care specialists.

The online pharmacy segment is expected to show the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. For patients that avoid going to a physical store, online pharmacies offer a simple and convenient alternative for buying prescription drugs. Convenience, affordable prices, and simple access to a broad selection of pharmaceuticals are reasons the online pharmacy market has increased recognition. When it comes to prescription renewals and maintenance treatments, patients with chronic diseases find it helpful to obtain their drugs online. Home delivery services are provided by online pharmacies, which further gives the segment a competitive edge.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest revenue share of 38.60% in 2022 due to the significant rise in the number of dry eye patients, who are more susceptible to getting the illness. Increased prevalence and growing public knowledge of eye diseases are factors in the region's growth. Additionally, it is projected that major firms' increased advancements in research and development will support regional economic growth.

Glaucoma was considered to be the major cause of blindness among individuals over 60 in North America in 2020, according to the CDC. North America has a complex healthcare system and high levels of healthcare spending that improve patient access to diagnosis and novel treatment alternatives. A robust infrastructure for research and development is present in the area, enabling the development of novel therapies and technologies.

Asia Pacific is estimated to grow fastest during the forecast period. There have been improvements in disease treatment choices recently, including the introduction of new drugs. These developments are intended to give patients, especially those with severe or refractory glaucoma, safer and more effective choices. Government rules, insurance plans, the state of the healthcare system, and the disease's prevalence all impact the market in this region.

Additionally, partnerships among international organizations, regional healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical firms contribute to expanding access to disease treatment and enhancing public and professional understanding of the condition. For instance, in March 2021, IRIDEX Corporation entered into a strategic agreement with TOPCON CORPORATION to develop drug products to treat glaucoma and other retinal diseases. 

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Companies are undertaking strategic initiatives such as collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, and strategic agreements for product portfolio expansion to maximize their market share. To sustain their presence in the market, industry players are further concentrating on geographic expansion and product releases. For instance, in December 2022, Thea Pharma stated that the FDA had approved Iyuzeh, an ophthalmic solution containing latanoprost for treating ocular hypertension. Some prominent players in the global glaucoma market include:

• Pfizer Inc.

• Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

• Novartis AG

• Alcon Inc.

• Akron Operating Company LLC

• Thea Pharma

• AbbVie, Inc.

• Bausch + Lomb Corporation

• Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

Glaucoma Market Report Scope

Global Glaucoma Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global glaucoma market report based on disease type, drug class, distribution channel, and region:

• Disease Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Open Angle Glaucoma

  • Angle Closure Glaucoma

  • Others

• Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Prostaglandins Analogs

  • Beta-blockers

  • Adrenergic Agonists

  • Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospital Pharmacy

  • Retail Pharmacy

  • Online Pharmacy

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait