The glaucoma therapeutics market was valued at US$ 6.24 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 8.02 billion by 2031; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 3.2% during 2023-2031.

Key factors driving the market growth are the growing prevalence of glaucoma, rising awareness and early diagnosis of the disease, and increasing product launches are expected to drive the market growth. However, compliance issues with medication regimens and the high cost of treatments hinder the glaucoma therapeutics market growth.

Market Trends of the Glaucoma Therapeutics Market:

The gradual damage of the optic nerve-typically associated with high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure)-predominantly due to aging can lead to a group of eye diseases called Glaucoma, which can eventually result in irreversible blindness. One of the most common treatments for glaucoma is to reduce intraocular pressure by using eye drops. However, patient adherence to these eye drops can be challenging, and inadequate patient education can impede treatment success. Additionally, ocular hypotensive drugs can cause local and systemic side effects that may further complicate the treatment. Rising focus on the development of improved formulations with enhanced stability, longer circulation times, and targeted binding properties is likely to add novel products to the market. Recent advancements in glaucoma therapeutics have revolutionized the available treatments in the market. The use of nanoparticles with suitable structures and superior binding capabilities facilitates the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug. Sustained-release (SR) implants and other innovative drug delivery systems offer improved patient compliance and reduced side effects compared to conventional eye drops. Several companies are developing SR drug delivery systems as an alternative to topical delivery to potentially overcome barriers in treating POAG. As per the article published in PubMed Central in 2022, the only approved SR therapy for POAG by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is Bimatoprost SR (DurystaTM) from Allergan plc. Other SR therapies including bimatoprost ocular ring (Allergan), iDose (Glaukos Corporation), ENV515 (Envisia Therapeutics), OTX-TP (Ocular Therapeutix), OTX-TIC (Ocular Therapeutix), and latanoprost free acid SR (PolyActiva) are under investigation. SR drug delivery technology in POAG management may shift treatment paradigms and dramatically improve outcomes. Therefore, the development of novel drug delivery methods and combination therapies is likely to remain a key trend in the glaucoma therapeutics market.

Glaucoma therapeutics Market: Segmental Overview

The glaucoma therapeutics market is segmented on the basis of drug class, indication, and distribution channel.

By drug class, the market is divided into beta blockers, alpha-adrenergic agonists, prostaglandin analogs, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, combination drugs, and others. The prostaglandin analogs segment held a larger market share in 2023. Prostaglandin analogs are the first-line treatment for high intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. They offer a once-a-day dosing, a significant reduction in intraocular pressure, and low systemic side effects. Thus, the benefits of prostaglandin analogs are responsible for the expansion of the glaucoma therapeutics market size.

The market, by indication, is segmented into open angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma, and others. The open-angle glaucoma segment held the largest glaucoma therapeutics market share in 2023 and is projected to register the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2031. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, which affects approximately 95% of individuals. Initially, it does not show any symptoms. However, at some point, an individual may start losing their side (peripheral) vision without treatment, resulting in total blindness.

By distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and online pharmacy. The hospital pharmacy segment dominated the market in 2023.

Glaucoma therapeutics Market: Geographical Overview

The scope of the glaucoma therapeutics market report entails North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Spain, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (South Korea, China, India, Japan, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South & Central America). Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR in the market from 2023 to 2031. Factors such as ongoing clinical studies for developing novel glaucoma therapies, as well as increasing healthcare expenditures in the region, contribute to the glaucoma therapeutics market growth in Asia Pacific. In terms of revenue, North America accounted for the largest glaucoma therapeutics market share in 2023.