By 2050, nearly half of the world’s population is predicted to have myopia, or near-sightedness—a condition that some research has shown may increase long-term risk for glaucoma and cataracts. Despite this growing trend, eye health remains a global health priority that is too often overlooked. The consequences are not only personal but also economic: uncorrected vision problems are estimated to cost the world $173 billion annually.
Rohto Pharmaceutical has been shaping the story of eye health for more than a century, beginning with the launch of its first eye drops in 1909. Today, eye drops represent over 80% of sales within its eye care segment, while its diverse portfolio also spans over-the-counter medicines, skincare, and functional foods. From easing seasonal allergies to supporting aging eyes and, more recently, relieving the digital eye strain that defines modern life, the company has continually advanced eye care—reflecting Rohto’s broader vision of bringing well-being to people around the world, especially as global life expectancy rises.
A vision of health
As of 2020, 1.1 billion people were living with untreated vision impairment, a number expected to rise to 1.8 billion by mid-century. Everyday behaviors add to this challenge: heavy reliance on digital devices has been shown to cause eyestrain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. In the United States, 65% of adults report symptoms of digital eye strain.
Over the past three decades, the prevalence of myopia has more than tripled, and today roughly one in three children and teenagers worldwide are nearsighted. For young children, undetected vision problems can shape educational and social outcomes, limiting their ability to learn and engage.
Among older adults, eye health carries different but equally significant risks. Age-related macular degeneration already affects more than 200 million people worldwide, with numbers projected to reach 300 million by 2040. Research is also increasingly linking vision impairment to cognitive decline, suggesting that regular eye examinations may play a role in identifying risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The future in view
Long associated with eye drops, Rohto Pharmaceutical—the leading over-the-counter eye drop brand in Japan with a 40% market share—is now extending its expertise into new frontiers of digital health, developing technologies and personalized solutions to help people monitor their eye health and protect their vision before problems arise.
This approach was showcased at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion during Expo 2025, where Rohto exhibited advancements in eye drops, including a mist-type dispenser for easier application and custom-blended drops tailored to individual needs.
The connection between stress and eye health was also highlighted at Rohto’s ‘Future Eyecare Station,’ where visitors generated personalized eye-age scores using health records and image-based analysis. Feedback included measures of eye fatigue, refraction values, and brain cognition score based on eye movements.
Amongst other next-generation concepts included innovative digital and virtual reality (VR) devices that track eye movement to monitor stress or boost focus and cognition. Other potential uses included VR therapies to treat weak eyesight in children with amblyopia, and neurofeedback tools to support eyesight recovery by training the brain through visual and auditory cues.
Seeing new possibilities
Rohto’s interest in the future of healthcare extends beyond ophthalmology into regenerative medicine. For over a decade, the company has been conducting research into cell-based therapies, and in 2024, this research gained new momentum with the opening of a dedicated laboratory focused on advancing regenerative medicine.
At the Expo, Rohto also showcased a concept model of a fully automated, AI-powered cell-culturing device, designed with the aim of moving toward practical applications—from treatments for joint pain to skin and hair regeneration.
Uemura explains the future vision of regenerative medicine, saying: “Imagine a time when you stop by a clinic on your way to work to have cells collected, and receive treatment on your way home.”
The future of eye health depends on prevention, accessibility, and innovation. By combining more than a century of experience with forward-looking research, Rohto is helping ensure that clearer vision remains within reach for generations ahead.
Learn more about Rohto’s vision for the future of eye care here.
