Latest Drug-Related Developments in Global Dry Eye Disease Market
                     Latest Drug-Related Developments in 
Global Dry Eye Disease Market
As per a study on the incidence and prevalence of dry eye disease in the United 
States, the dry eye disease (DED) prevalence was 5.28% overall, with 2.96% male 
beneficiaries and 7.78% female beneficiaries. According to another study on the 
economic burden of dry eye disease in the United States, DED incurred $55.4 
billion in costs annually. Our predictions project that the global eye disease 
market growth is estimated to progress at a CAGR of 5.11% during 23-32 and 
garner $8884.34 million by 2032. As a result, drugs designed with specific DED 
indications are ushering in a new era in dry eye disease management.
This blog focuses on some of the recent strategic developments related to dry 
eye disease drugs.
 OptiLight by Lumenis
On 29th April 2021, Lumenis Ltd announced the grant of FDA approval for its 
newest intense pulsed light (IPL) device. 
Subsequently, Lumenis launched OptiLight™, a bright solution for dry eyes. 
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a new treatment for rosacea and evaporative 
dry eye. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) increases the severity of dry eye 
disease (DED) and can clinically impact the patient’s quality of life. Intense pulsed 
therapy (IPL) can benefit dry eye by enhancing the dysfunction of the meibomian 
glands.
OptiLight™ is patented with Lumenis’ OPT® technology and is designed for a 
controlled, precise, and consistent light-based treatment of dry eye disease.
Dr. Steven J. Dell, the lead investigator in the Lumenis’ clinical trial for the FDA and 
medical director of Dell Laser Consultants, said, “We deal with dry eye every day, 
but unless we address the underlying inflammation, it’s difficult to meaningfully 
impact the disease. OptiLight™ helps us to address the inflammation, as shown in 
Lumenis’ IPL clinical trials, and improves signs of dry eye disease due to MGD, 
positioning it as a valuable tool in our dry eye toolkit.” (Source)
 Kala announces to sell INVELTYS® and EYSUVIS®
On 23rd May 2022, Kala Pharmaceuticals announced its entry into a definitive 
agreement to sell its intellectual property assets and commercial portfolio to Alcon 
Inc. This entails INVELTYS®, a corticosteroid for treating post-operative pain and 
inflammation following ocular surgery. Alongside EYSUVIS®, the first and only 
United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medicine for the short-
term treatment of symptoms and signs of dry eye disease. Kala will receive an 
advance payment of $60 million and be eligible for commercial-based sales 
milestone payments.
Mark Iwicki, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Kala, said, “The sale of 
EYSUVIS and INVELTYS is an important step as we execute on our strategic plan 
and pursue our mission of delivering innovative therapies that can address 
significant unmet needs in ophthalmology.” (Source)
 New Drug Application (NDA) for Reproxalap by Aldeyra Therapeutics
On 7th February 2023, Aldeyra Therapeutics announced the US Food and Drug 
Administration’s (FDA) approval for the New Drug Application (NDA) for topical 
ocular Reporxalap. The company develops innovative therapies designed to treat 
immune-mediated diseases. The NDA is supplemented by previously announced 
efficacy and safety results from well-controlled and adequate clinical trials. These 
encompass data for ocular redness, Schirmer test ≥10 mm responder analysis, 
Schirmer test, ocular redness, and ocular dryness symptom score.
Reporxalap is a first-in-class investigational new drug candidate for treating the 
symptoms and signs of dry eye disease. In dry eye disease patients, RASP (reactive
aldehyde species) may facilitate changes in tear lipid composition, ocular redness, 
diminished tear production, and ocular inflammation. 
Accordingly, Reproxalap presents a differentiated and novel approach for treating 
the symptoms of dry eye disease.
As stated by Todd C. Brady, MD, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer 
of Aldeyra, “NDA acceptance marks a critical regulatory milestone for Aldeyra as 
reproxalap continues to advance toward potential regulatory approval for the 
treatment of dry eye disease.” (Source)
 New Drug Application (NDA) for CyclASol® by Novaliq
On 24th October 2022, Novaliq announced the US FDA approval of the New Drug 
Application (NDA) for CyclASol®. It is a novel anti-inflammatory product for treating 
signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It is preservative-free due to the novel 
carrier and contains no oils or surfactants. It offers additional clinical benefits like 
reduced visual disturbances and enhanced tolerability. 
According to Christian Roesky, Ph.D., CEO, Novaliq, “This is an exciting time for 
ophthalmologists and optometrists and their patients as we are one step closer to 
address important needs and to better treat a serious ocular surface condition 
affecting millions of Americans. If approved, CyclASol® would be a highly potent but 
comfortable anti-inflammatory therapy for patients with dry eye disease.” (Source)
Ongoing Research & Development in Global Dry Disease Market
As per several research investigations, dry eye is a lifestyle disease, and most of the
population is vulnerable. Accordingly, there have been ongoing research and 
developments related to dry eye treatment and solutions. For instance, European 
Dry Eye Network was established in Europe under Horizon 2020. It is a platform for 
the training and career development of 10 early-stage researchers (ESRs) in vision 
sciences. Such platforms are predicted to enhance research efforts for dry eye 
disease treatment, subsequently influencing the global dry eye disease 
market growth.
FAQs:
1. Which country has lucrative prospects in the global dry eye disease 
market?
A: China has lucrative prospects in the global dry eye disease market.
2. What are the risk factors of dry eye disease?
A: As per global experts, the non-modifiable risk factors of dry eye disease 
are age, connective tissue diseases, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Sjogren's
syndrome, etc.