Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a highly contagious eye infection caused by various viruses. It is one of the most common eye infections affecting people of all ages. The increasing prevalence of viral conjunctivitis globally is driving the demand for effective drugs for its treatment. Viral conjunctivitis drugs are used to relieve symptoms such as eye redness, swelling, tearing, and discharge. Some of the commonly used viral conjunctivitis drugs include antiviral eye drops and oral medications.
The global Viral Conjunctivitis Drugs Market is estimated to be valued at USD 375.0 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 531.2 Mn in 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2025 to 2032.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the viral conjunctivitis drugs market are AbbVie, Allergan, Novartis, Santen Pharmaceutical.
viral conjunctivitis drugs market opportunities in the market include new product launches, increasing R&D investments, and geographical expansion into emerging markets.
Major companies are focusing on geographical expansion and new product launches to garner a larger market share. For instance, in 2023, AbbVie launched azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP, 0.05% for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis in the US market.
Market Drivers
Increasing prevalence of viral conjunctivitis globally: The prevalence of viral conjunctivitis has increased manifold over the past few decades. According to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, viral conjunctivitis accounts for over 21 million cases annually in the country alone. This has resulted in high demand for effective drugs to treat the condition.
Development of new drugs: Several pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in research and development of novel antiviral drugs with better efficacy and tolerability for viral conjunctivitis. For example, in 2023, Novartis received FDA approval for Cosentyx for treatment of non-infectious uveitis. This is expected to provide new growth avenues in future.
Market Restraints
Availability of alternative treatment options: Being a self-limiting disease, viral conjunctivitis can also be treated using alternative remedies like cold compresses, saline solutions, artificial tears etc. This reduces complete reliance on drugs.
Challenges in new drug development: the market include new product launches, increasing R&D investments, and geographical expansion into emerging markets.
Segment Analysis
The global viral conjunctivitis drugs market is segmented into hospital pharmacy, drug store, retail pharmacy and online pharmacy. The hospital pharmacy segment currently dominates the market due to higher patient preference and convenience. Patients suffering from viral eye infections usually prefer visiting hospitals for quick diagnoses and effective treatment. This segment is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period owing to rising number of eye care hospitals and increasing health insurance coverage.
Global Analysis
Regionally, North America holds the largest share in the viral conjunctivitis drugs market and is expected to maintain its lead over the forecast period. This is attributed to growing per capita healthcare expenditure, rising awareness about eye diseases and increasing number of ophthalmologists and optometrists in the region. Asia Pacific exhibits the fastest growth due to rising prevalence of infectious eye diseases, growing geriatric population and improving healthcare infrastructure.
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