Preservative-free Eye Drops Market Report: Size, Share and Outlook by 2031

The preservative-free eye drops market is projected to reach US$ 16.68 billion by 2031 from US$ 8.68 billion in 2024. The market is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.7% during 2025-2031. Major factors driving the market growth include the rising prevalence of chronic eye diseases, growing awareness of the side effects of preservatives, and shifting consumer preferences are propelling the adoption of preservative-free eye drops. Further, technological innovations in packaging will likely boost the market during the forecast period. However, shorter shelf life of preservative-free formulations, high cost of preservative-free products, and limited availability and accessibility are among the market deterrents.

Many traditional eye drops often include benzalkonium chloride as an ingredient to ensure that the multi-dose bottles are free of microbes. Although these preservatives function effectively in maintaining sterility, they have been in the spotlight for a long time due to their side effects on the ocular surface, particularly in cases of long-term or frequent use.

Like benzalkonium chloride and other similar compounds, they are highly cytotoxic to epithelial cells, which brings about thinning of the tear film, cell death, and injury of corneal as well as conjunctival tissues, which is a big issue for patients who are suffering from chronic conditions and have been using drops for a long time such as glaucoma where daily usage lasts for years. The preservatives in lubricating eye drops can aggravate symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, and a foreign body sensation.

If the consequences of the preservative agents were more explicit, a significant shift in the opinions of patients and clinicians towards preservative-free eye drops could be observed. There are several reasons for this change. One of them is that doctors are increasingly inclined to recommend preservative-free options to avoid long-term ocular surface damage.

New technology in the field of multi-dose, preservative-free bottles has alleviated concerns about sterility, making it easier for manufacturers to provide solutions without preservatives in packages that are more convenient for users. The increasing number of professionals in ophthalmology and optometry who recommend preservative-free drops, particularly for post-surgical care, pediatric use, and severe dry eye disease, has enabled this trend to grow.

The preservation of the eye drop market is receiving a solid tailwind from the growing dislike of preservatives. As more awareness and preservative-free options become available, this trend is expected to continue, particularly in elderly populations and urban markets with high levels of screen exposure.

The comparative company analysis evaluates and categorizes the preservative-free eye drops market based on product portfolio (product satisfaction, product features, and availability), recent market developments (merger & acquisition, new product launch & enhancement, investment & funding, award, agreement, collaboration, & partnership, recognition, and expansion), and geographic presence that aids better decision-making and understanding of the competitive landscape. The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments and innovations by the leading vendors in the global preservative-free eye drops market. The key market players are Alcon AG, Bausch + Lomb Corporation, AbbVie Inc, Bayer AG, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Nemera, Laboratoires Th?a, Kiltch Healthcare, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

In terms of type, the preservative-free eye drops market is bifurcated into single-dose and multiple-dose. The single-dose segment held a larger market share in 2024, owing to the suitability for sensitive and frequent users, as they are easy to use and free from contamination.

Based on application, the preservative-free eye drops market is categorized into dry eye disease (DED), eye allergy/ infection, glaucoma, retinal disorders, other indications. The dry eye disease (DED) segment accounted for the largest share of the preservative-free eye drops market in 2024. The preservative-free eye drops market for dry eye disease (DED) is expanding rapidly, driven primarily by increasing awareness of the connection between the use of preservatives and ocular surface damage. The world's aging population supports the market for these drops, as does the increasing use of digital screens and the growing number of DED diagnoses, all of which have contributed to its growth. Preservative-free formulations are being viewed as the future in ophthalmic care, as patients tend to prefer a more progressive and safer approach to treatment.

Based on 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 market in 2024. Hospital pharmacies are one of the primary channels for preservative-free eye drops, particularly for patients with severe or post-surgical Dry Eye Disease.

Companies operating in the preservative-free eye drops market adopt various organic and inorganic strategies. The organic strategies mainly include product launches and product approvals. Inorganic growth strategies witnessed in the market are acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. These growth strategies allow the market players to expand their businesses, enhance their geographic presence, and contribute to the overall market growth. Furthermore, acquisitions and partnerships helped strengthen their customer base and extend their product portfolios. A few significant developments by key preservative-free eye drops market players are listed below.

In July 2025, Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced that Ophthalmology and Therapy has published results from a phase 3 study that assessed the efficacy and safety of LUMIFY Preservative-Free redness reliever eye drops compared to LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops for reducing ocular redness.

In February 2025, Alcon announced the U.S. launch of SYSTANE PRO Preservative-Free (PF) as the latest over-the-counter eye drop in the company's dry eye portfolio. SYSTANE PRO PF is the longest lasting eye drop in the SYSTANE portfolio with a unique triple action, preservative-free formula for the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye.

In April 2024, Bausch + Lomb Corporation declared that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved LUMIFY Preservative Free redness reliever eye drops, the first and only over-the-counter preservative-free eye drop with low-dose OTC brimonidine tartrate for the treatment of ocular redness due to minor eye irritations.

In March 2023, Nemera and Nelson Labs, a global leader in microbiological and analytical chemistry testing and expert advisory services for the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, announced that they are strengthening their existing partnership to benefit their customers and patients.

In December 2022, Alcon European launches the newest addition to its innovative portfolio of dry eye products, Systane Complete Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops, now in an easy-to-use, multi-dose bottle.