Blepharitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis usually affects the part of eyelid where eyelashes grow and occurs when tiny oil glands near this area are clogged, in turn causing irritation and redness of the eyes. Symptoms of blepharitis include, high sensitivity to light, loss of eyelashes, watery eyes, burning sensation in the eyes, greasy eyelids, itchy eyes, red and swollen eyes, flaking of skin around the eyes, crusted eyelashes after waking up, more frequent blinking, abnormal growth of eyelashes, and stinging sensation in the eyes. Blepharitis causes seborrheic dermatitis, which is dandruff of the eyebrows and scalp, bacterial infection, clogged oil glands, malfunctioning of oil glands, and rosacea. It also causes allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions or eye make-up and eyelash lice or mites.

Blepharitis Treatment Market Drivers:-

The blepharitis treatment market is expected to witness significant growth due to increasing prevalence of ophthalmic disorders among the geriatric population. According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2014, blepharitis usually affects people above the age of 50 years. According to the same source, blepharitis is observed in 37% male ophthalmic patients and 47% in female ophthalmic patients. The market is also expected to witness significant growth due to increasing number of drugs in the pipeline. For instance, ISV-305, a drug sponsored by InSite Vision, is in phase 3 clinical trials. ISV-305 is used for the treatment of patients with early symptoms of blepharitis.

Furthermore, adoption of strategies such as new product launch and mergers and acquisitions is also expected to contribute to the market growth. For instance, in 2015, Rysurg, a Franklin-based company, launched BlephEx. It is the first device-based procedure used to clean eyelids and also maintain hygiene. According to a study conducted by American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2015, around 50% of ophthalmic patients suffer from symptoms of blepharitis and dry eyes. Constant use of this device helps prevent recurrence of blephairis and the treatment is pain-free. In 2013, Shire Plc. acquired a U.S.-based ophthalmic company, SARcode Bioscience to add new drug – Lifitegrast to Shire’s specialist drug portfolio. Lifitegrast was approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye and blepharitis in 2016.

Factors hampering growth of the market include, lack of awareness and high cost of the treatment of blepharitis.

Blepharitis Treatment Market Regional Analysis:-

North America blepharitis treatment market is expected to hold dominant position due to increasing geriatric population, launch of new products, and increasing number of ophthalmic patients in the region. According to a survey conducted in the U.S. Population Reference Bureau, in 2016, the aging population in the U.S. increased by 24% as compared to 15% in 2014. Europe is expected to witness rapid growth due increasing product launch in the region. For instance, in 2017, Scope Ophthalmic launched Moist Heat Mask, a device that helps in the treatment of blepharitis by loosening the oil present in Meibomian glands and allowing it to flow more freely. It helps to soften eye lash debris, prevent the evaporation of natural tear film, restores moisture to the eye and also the surrounding area, as well as improves tear film lipid quality. In 2015, MiBo Medical Group, a U.S.-based company, launched MibO Thermoflo. This device helps in the treatment of blepharitis and dry eyes and is required to be gently massaged on the margins of the eyelids for a minimum of 12 minutes. In 2015, MiBo Medical Group launched Lid Pro, a device that is used for the treatment of anterior blepharitis. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth due to increasing prevalence of blepharitis. According to a study conducted by Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, in 2016, signs and symptoms of blepharitis increased by 32% among the geriatric population as compared to 2014.

Blepharitis Treatment Market Key Players:-

Key players operating in the blepharitis treatment market include, Scope Ophthalmic Ltd., NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc., Thea Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Perrigo Laboratories, InSite Vision Incorporated, Merck & Co., and Novartis AG.

Blepharitis Treatment Market Taxonomy:-

The global blepharitis treatment market is segmented on the basis of disease type, treatment type, distribution channel, and region.

By Disease Type:-