Conjunctivitis, commonly known as eye flu is a condition caused by bacterial or viral infections or allergies resulting in inflammation of the conjunctiva. It causes symptoms such as itchy, red eyes with watery or thick discharge from the eyes. There are three main types of conjunctivitis - allergic, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis or seasonal allergy is the most common type affecting nearly 40% of people.

The Eye Flu (Conjunctivitis) market is estimated to be valued at US$ 4.54 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.0% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights

Market Dynamics:
Allergic conjunctivitis accounts for majority of conjunctivitis cases across the globe. Increasing environmental allergens such as pollen and changing climatic conditions have led to rising prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis. According to AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology), allergic conjunctivitis affects approximately 20% of the global population. Growing pollution levels globally have also contributed to increased allergic reactions and cases of eye allergy.

The other key growth driver is availability of large number of drug formulations for eye flu treatment. Majority of conjunctivitis cases are usually treated with topical antibiotic or antihistamine eye drops. Some of the commonly prescribed eye drop formulations include Azithromycin, Besifloxacin, Gatifloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxefilcon, Nepafenac among others. The large number of affordable generic options has increased acceptability and access to treatments.

SWOT Analysis
Strength:
- Eye flu is a highly contagious disease, giving this market ample growth opportunities as more people are prone to catching the infection.
- Availability of over-the-counter eye drop medicines provides convenient treatment options for patients with mild symptoms.
- Rising awareness through healthcare campaigns helps people recognize symptoms on time and seek timely treatment.
Weakness:
- Eye flu being a self-limiting condition means symptoms resolve in a few days without treatment in many cases, reducing the market size potential.
- Availability of generic medicines limits pricing power and profit margins for companies.
Opportunity:
- Growing elderly population who are more susceptible to eye infections presents a solid customer segment.
- Developing regions like Asia Pacific and Latin America with large populations offer scope for market expansion.
Threats:
- Threat from alternative treatment modes like Ayurveda and home remedies in certain regions.
- Risk of antibiotic resistance developing with excessive or inappropriate use of eye drops.

Key Takeaways
The global eye flu market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting CAGR of 8.0% over the forecast period, due to increasing prevalence of viral and bacterial conjunctivitis infections. The market size is estimated to reach US$ 7.85 Bn by 2030 from US$ 4.54 Bn in 2023.

Regional analysis
The Asia Pacific region dominates the global market and is expected to maintain its lead, growing at a CAGR of over 9% during the forecast period. Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea have large populations and growing healthcare awareness. North America is the second largest market boosted by high healthcare expenditure and advanced medical facilities in the US and Canada.

Key players
Key players operating in the eye flu market are Novartis AG, Allergan, Bausch Health, Santen Pharmaceutical, Johnson & Johnson, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Akorn Pharmaceuticals, Alcon, Pfizer, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Merck & Co., Similasan Corporation, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Lupin Pharmaceuticals and Cipla. These players are focusing on new product launches and expansion into growing eye care markets.