EYE FLU (CONJUNCTIVITIS) MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Eye Flu (Conjunctivitis) Market- Drivers

• Increasing prevalence of conjunctivitis worldwide: Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the thin transparent layer of tissue lining the inner eyelid and covering the white part of the eye. Rising prevalence of conjunctivitis globally is a major factor driving the market growth. According to the WHO, in 2021, conjunctivitis affected over 5 million individuals annually in the U.S. The increasing incidence can be attributed to factors such as growing pollution levels, recurrent exposure to irritants, poor hygiene, and increasing use of contact lenses. The contagious nature of certain types of conjunctivitis also contributes to widespread transmission. With growing awareness and easier access to medical facilities, more patients are getting diagnosed and treated for conjunctivitis, thereby, fueling market growth.
• Rapid growth in aging population: The elderly demographic is at a higher risk of developing conjunctivitis due to weakened immune system. Age-related changes in mucus viscosity and eyelid anatomy also increase susceptibility. According to United Nations data published in 2021, the global geriatric population will reach 2.1 billion by 2050. Growing aging population, especially in developed nations, is anticipated to boost demand for associated ophthalmic drugs and treatments. Pharmaceutical firms are investing heavily in R&D to introduce effective therapies for aged patients. Product innovations and differentiated pricing strategies targeted at seniors further expand the consumer base.
• Continued product development and pipeline robustness: Rising investments by biopharma companies in enhancing their conjunctivitis drug pipeline and expanding product portfolios cater to unmet patient needs are expecetd to drive the market growth. For instance, in October 2021, Ocular Therapeutix, a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the formulation, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for diseases and conditions of the eye, received U.S. FDA approval for DEXTENZA, a corticosteroid intracanalicular insert for treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery. Prior to that, Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company; launched ZERVIATE in 2020, the first topical ophthalmic formulation of cetirizine for allergic conjunctivitis.
• Higher awareness and access to eye care: Various public health initiatives by governments and NGOs to promote eye health awareness especially in developing regions has led to higher screening rates and adoption of preventive care. The provision of free or subsidized treatment in public ophthalmology centers and hospitals is improving access and providing cost benefits. This is reinforced by specialized national programs such as Vision 2020 by WHO focusing on prevention of blindness. Furthermore, the availability of OTC medications coupled with the convenience of e-pharmacies has led to increased self-medication rates, thereby, bolstering the market growth.

Global Eye Flu (Conjunctivitis) Market- Restraints

• Side effects and risks associated with drugs: Most pharmaceutical conjunctivitis treatments such as antibiotics and steroids come with adverse effects that limit their usage and adoption. Prolonged antibiotic exposure can lead to development of resistant bacterial strains. Steroids heighten chances of secondary infections and increase intraocular pressure. Other side effects include ocular discomfort, blurred vision, eye irritation, and others. Concerns regarding effects on pediatric and geriatric patients also exist. Stringent approval criteria owing to associated risks restrain the market growth to an extent. This boosts demand for natural and homeopathic alternatives with lower occurrence of side effects.
• Misdiagnosis and lack of laboratory facilities: In remote areas and developing countries, lack of proper diagnostic facilities and trained ophthalmologists results in inaccurate diagnosis of conjunctivitis, leading to delayed treatment and improper medication. Over-the-counter use of antibiotics for presumed bacterial conjunctivitis also promotes resistance and aggravates conditions. The overlap of symptoms between different forms of conjunctivitis makes definitive diagnosis difficult in absence of laboratory investigations. These factors restrain market expansion to an extent. Access to telemedicine and molecular testing kits can help overcome diagnostic challenges.

Global Eye Flu (Conjunctivitis) Market- Opportunities

• Unmet demand in emerging economies: Developing nations across Latin America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa possess massive underdeveloped markets characterized by untreated patient pools, low access to eye care facilities and lack of awareness. This represents significant opportunities for conjunctivitis drug development and distribution by multinational corporations as well as domestic firms. Local partnerships, cost-effective pricing and education outreach programs can help to capture larger shares. For instance, pharmaceutical companies are collaborating with NGOs and government institutions to conduct mass screening camps in rural areas. The introduction of single-dose, preservative-free formulations catering to price-sensitive consumers also aids the market growth.
• Development of novel drug delivery mechanisms: Conventional topical eye drop and ointment formulations for conjunctivitis treatment often result in poor drug bioavailability and patient compliance owing to repetitive administration and dosage. This s led ophthalmic firms to explore advanced drug delivery solutions such as nanomicelles, liposomes, dendrimers and collagen shields that promise extended release of active ingredients, higher penetration and reduced frequency of use. For example, researchers are assessing potential of contact lenses and intracanalicular inserts that can provide sustained medication release. The launch of such innovative delivery mechanisms can help overcome the challenges associated with existing options.
• Rising incidence of allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis represents one of the most common forms of eye inflammation and accounts for a significant portion of conjunctivitis cases worldwide. The condition is caused by an immunological hypersensitivity reaction to allergens such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, cosmetics, lens solutions, and others. Several survey reports in 2020, indicated that climate change has resulted in extended pollen seasons and changing pollen distribution patterns leading to higher occurrence of allergic conjunctivitis, especially in urban areas. Pharmaceutical firms stand to gain from growing demand for anti-allergy ophthalmic formulations such as antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers and dual-action drugs.