Canada Ocular Hypertension Treatment Market
Ocular hypertension (OHT) is when the pressure inside the eye rises without impairing vision or harming the structure of the eye. It develops when fluid in the eye doesn't leave the eye at its normal pace, causing an accumulation that raises intraocular pressure. Ocular hypertension could be a precursor to glaucoma, an eye condition that, if left untreated, can eventually result in irreparable vision loss.

As of 2023, the market size for ocular hypertension treatments in Canada is estimated at USD 120 million. With the increasing aging population and advancements in diagnostic technologies, the market is projected to reach USD 180 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%.

Market Overview
Ocular hypertension market in Canada is driven by an aging population, rising awareness of eye health, and advances in ophthalmic diagnostic technologies. The market comprises pharmaceutical treatments, including prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and surgical interventions such as laser trabeculoplasty and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS).

Market Dynamics
Drivers

• Aging Population: The prevalence of ocular hypertension increases with age, driving demand for treatments.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in diagnostic tools and treatment methods boost market growth.
• Rising Awareness: Increased awareness of eye health and regular screenings contribute to early diagnosis and treatment.

Restraints

• High Cost of Treatments: The cost of advanced treatments and surgeries can be a barrier for some patients.
• Side Effects of Medications: Adverse effects associated with long-term use of ocular hypertension medications may limit their use.

Challenges

• Patient Compliance: Ensuring patients adhere to long-term treatment regimens is challenging.
• Early Diagnosis: Identifying asymptomatic patients in the early stages remains difficult.

Opportunities

• Innovative Therapies: Development of new drugs with fewer side effects and better efficacy presents significant opportunities.
• Teleophthalmology: The adoption of telemedicine for remote diagnosis and monitoring can enhance patient care.
   

Regulatory Overview
In Canada, ocular hypertension treatments are regulated by Health Canada, which ensures the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical devices. The approval process involves rigorous clinical trials and post-market surveillance to monitor adverse effects.
 

Product Profiling
Key products in the Canadian market include:

Medications used to manage intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension fall into numerous classes, each with different mechanisms of action. Alpha agonists like brimonidine tartrate and apraclonidine reduce aqueous humor production and increase uveoscleral outflow. Beta blockers, including timolol and betaxolol, reduce aqueous humor production by blocking beta receptors in the ciliary body. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide (oral) and brinzolamide or dorzolamide (eyedrops) reduce aqueous humor production by preventing the carbonic anhydrase enzyme. Prostaglandin analogues, including bimatoprost, latanoprost, and latanoprostene, improve uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor, effectively lowering intraocular pressure. Every class offers a unique approach to glaucoma management, enabling customized treatment plans depending on patient requirements and treatment response.

SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Established pharmaceutical market with strong R&D capabilities.
High healthcare expenditure and insurance coverage.
Weakness
High cost of advanced treatments.
Limited access in rural areas.
Opportunities
Growing elderly population.
Potential for new drug development.
Threats
Generic drug competition.
Stringent regulatory requirements.
 

Cases in Canada

According to projections made by the National Coalition for Vision Health, the number of Canadians who will become blind due to glaucoma will rise by 105%, reaching 19,400 cases by 2031. 

Unmet Needs

• Some patients will either be resistant to topical treatments to lower the pressure in the eye or intolerant of their side effects.
• Disease progression occurs in some patients even after intraocular pressure reduction, and some patients may never present with raised IOP but still exhibit progressive glaucoma.

Treatment

• Prostaglandins: To enhance the amount of fluid exiting your eye, use these eye drops once daily.
  Beta-blockers: To reduce the amount of fluid you create, you may be instructed to use this type of eye drop once or twice daily.
• Alpha-adrenergic agonists: To decrease fluid output and increase fluid throughput, you may take this kind of medication two or three times a day.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: To lower fluid output, you may take this kind of medication two or three times a day.
• Rho kinase inhibitor: Taking this medication once day reduces the amount of fluid produced.
  Agents miotic or cholinergic: These items need to be taken four times a day. In prior years, prescribers have recommended this kind of product more frequently.

RISK FACTORS
Risk Associated with Glaucoma

• High eye or intraocular pressure (IOP)
• High blood pressure
• Family history of glaucoma
• Corneal thickness
• Being over the age of 55
• Previous eye injuries
• Long-term use of steroids
• Nearsightedness
• Diabetes

Regional Status
Ontario and Quebec dominate the Canadian ocular hypertension market due to their large populations and concentration of healthcare facilities. Western provinces like British Columbia and Alberta are also experiencing market growth.

Company Profiling

• Bausch + Lomb Corporation operates as a subsidiary of Bausch Health Companies In
• Thea Pharma, Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson
   

Go to Market Strategies
Strategic Alliances: Partnerships with local healthcare providers for wider distribution.
Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the importance of regular eye exams.
Telemedicine Integration: Expanding teleophthalmology services for remote areas.
 

Latest News & Recent Developments

• December 14, 2022 – Thea Pharma, announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for New Drug Application (NDA) of IYUZEH (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.005% for reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

Marketed outside of U.S. as Monoprost, market leading prostaglandin analogue (PGA) in volume, is available in over 46 countries around the world, including France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada. 

• August 13, 2020 – Johnson & Johnson Vision, announced Health Canada approval and July availability of its TECNIS Synergy and TECNIS Eyhance IOLs to Canadian market.  

Market Segmentation
Type

• Intraocular Hypertension
• Glaucoma
   

Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Others
   

Drug Type

• Prescription
• Over the Counter
   

End User

• Hospitals
• Homecare
• Specialty Clinics
• Others
   

Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
   

Report Highlights

• Pharmaceuticals remain the dominant treatment type.
• Ontario and Quebec lead the market.