Preservative-free Eye Drops Market is expected to reach US$ 1,668.63 Million by 2031

Single Dose Segment to Lead Preservative-Free Eye Drops Market Based on Type During 2025–2031

According to our new research study on “Preservative-free Eye Drops Market Forecast to 2031 – Global Analysis – by Type, Application, and Distribution Channel,” the preservative-free eye drops market size is expected to grow from US$ 1,215.93 million in 2024 to US$ 1,668.63 million by 2031; the market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 4.7% during 2025–2031. Major factors driving the preservative-free eye drops market growth include the rising prevalence of chronic eye diseases, growing awareness of the side effects of preservatives, and shifting consumer preferences.

Preservative-free eye drops are sterile eye solutions that are made without chemical preservatives that prevent the growth of microbes. Compared to traditional eye drops that contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, these drops are free of side effects caused by the preservative, including irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. They are usually found in single-use vials or special multi-dose containers that ensure sterility.

Preservative-free eye drops Market, by region, 2024 (%)

Source: The Insight Partners Analysis

Preservative-Free Eye Drops Market Analysis Based on Segmental Evaluation:

Single-dose and multiple-dose are the two types of market segments in preservative-free eye drops. Single-dose accounted for the most significant preservative-free eye drops market share in 2024. The preserved-free eye drops market for the single-dose segment, which represents the highest market growth, is experiencing robust growth, owing to consumers' increasing preference for safer and contamination-free ocular therapies. Consequently, they are the most suitable for patients with sensitive eyes, those with chronic conditions such as dry eye syndrome and glaucoma, or individuals requiring frequent administration. The growing prevalence of eye diseases worldwide, combined with an aging population susceptible to eye disorders, is driving the need for these easy-to-use, sterile, single-use formats. According to the current scenario, North America leads with highest market share in this segment with a significant margin due to the region's well-developed healthcare infrastructure and technology, as well as high consumer awareness levels. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is expected to experience rapid growth in this market segment, primarily due to improvements in healthcare access and a rise in disposable income. Outlining safety concerns, demographic trends, and technological advancements are driving the growth of the single-dose segment.

The scope of the preservative-free eye drops market report includes an assessment of the market performance in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South and Central America, the Middle East, and Africa. Regarding revenue, North America dominated the preservative-free eye drops market in 2024.

The preservative-free eye drops market in North America is segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. North America is anticipated to lead the market throughout the forecast period. In the US and Canada, where OTC and prescription channels are mature and well-established, the use of preservative-free eye drops has been more rapid; however, growth has been somewhat moderated due to issues with insurance coverage. Additionally, there are changes in the packaging sector, such as multi-dose bottles and single-use vials, which are designed to be more convenient and safer for users. The debut of Prostaglandin drop IYUZEH in 2023 for glaucoma patients and LUMIFY PF in 2024 as a redness reliever has stimulated not only demand but also awareness regarding the long-term benefits of using preservative-free eye drops in the region.

The US is a substantial market for preservative-free eye drops, driven by factors such as an aging population, high rates of digital screen usage, and a relatively high level of awareness of the side effects associated with the use of preservatives, which is fueling market growth. Preservative-free artificial tears have led the US artificial tears market in terms of revenue share, primarily due to the widespread prevalence of dry eye disease in the country across all age groups.

Due to increasing concerns about safety, cleanliness, and the avoidance of adverse effects caused by preservatives, the US FDA has become increasingly critical of sterility and safety, resulting in draft guidance & quality expectations in the US that make preservative-free eye formulations more desirable. Hospitals and clinics in the US are always choosing the patients with chronic diseases preservative-free options. Additionally, leading players such as Bausch & Lomb and Alcon are committed to bringing safe, preservative-free eye drop products to the US market, thereby raising awareness of preservative-free formulations in the country. Alcon announced the launch of a multi-dose preservative?free SYSTANE PRO in the US as an OTC dry eye drop employing a triple action formula (hyaluronate + nano?lipids + HP?Guar) in February 2025.

Alcon AG, Bausch + Lomb Corporation, AbbVie Inc, Bayer AG, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Nemera, Laboratoires Théa, Kiltch Healthcare, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc. are among the leading companies profiled in the preservative-free eye drops market report.

Based on type, the preservative-free eye drops market is bifurcated single-dose and multiple-dose. By applicatoin, the market is segmented into dry eye disease (DED), eye allergy/ infection, glaucoma, retinal disorders, and other indications. The dry eye disease (DED) segment accounted for a larger share of the preservative-free eye drops market in 2024. In terms of distribution channel, the preservative-free eye drops market is categorized into hospital pharmacies, drug store and retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment held a larger share of the preservative-free eye drops market in 2024. Based on geography, the market is categorized into North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East and Africa), and South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South and Central America).

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