The global ophthalmic hand surgical instruments market size was valued at USD 2.42 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2023 to 2030. Factors expected to drive the growth of the advanced hand surgical instruments market during the forecast period include rising incidence of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, and refractive errors, increasing popularity of ambulatory surgical centers, patient preference for short hospital stays, and increased use of ophthalmic hand surgical instruments.
As the world population ages, the number of people with visual impairment and blindness increases. As a result, the incidence of diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy has also increased, which have become the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. These factors have led to an increase in the need for surgical procedures, thereby creating a demand for ophthalmic surgical hand instruments.
For example, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 1.3 million Americans age 40 and older are legally blind, meaning they have best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in their better eye. And if best-corrected visual acuity is worse than 20/40 (including people who are legally blind), then more than 2.9 million adults age 40 and older have poor vision.
Technological advances and the growing popularity of minimally invasive surgeries that can permanently cure common eye diseases are expected to contribute to the growth of eye surgeries, especially in developing regions. In addition, the advent of minimally invasive surgical techniques with their potential benefits such as shorter recovery times and faster turnaround times for glaucoma and cataract surgery have also led to an increase in the average number of eye surgeries performed worldwide.
Various government and non-government programs aimed at creating public awareness about visual impairment and providing financial assistance to patients undergoing eye surgeries are expected to play a key role in the growth of the ophthalmic portable surgical devices market. For example, the Government of India, under the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), provides free eye surgeries to NGOs for poor patients living in remote areas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective medical services, including eye care, were cancelled and patients were advised to avoid visits unless absolutely necessary to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, resulting in significant disruptions to eye care and patient care. During this period, the number of elective eye surgeries (especially cataract surgeries) decreased significantly, resulting in a significant decline in sales of ophthalmic hand surgical instruments.
Intense competition, outdated technology, and a shortage of ophthalmologists worldwide are expected to hamper the growth of the ophthalmic surgical devices market. Due to the shortage of ophthalmologists and longer wait times, some patients are forgoing eye surgery in favor of other treatment options. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts that there will be a shortage of ophthalmologists by 2025.
The ophthalmic scalpel segment dominates the market with the highest revenue share in 2022 at 70.89%. This has been made possible by the wide availability of ophthalmic surgical knives in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Currently, there are two main types of scalpels used in ophthalmic surgery: disposable scalpels and diamond knives. Diamond knives are experiencing a surge in demand due to their advantages such as cutting precision, reusability, cost-effectiveness, and durability.
While a report published in the British Journal of Surgery in May 2020 estimated that around 28.4 million elective surgeries were postponed or cancelled worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, this estimate was based on a 12-week period that coincided with the peak of COVID-19-related hospital disruptions. Thus, the decline in ophthalmic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the ophthalmic scalpel market.
The scissors segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. Scissors are the second most common ophthalmic hand instrument in ophthalmic surgical instrument sets. Based on the intended use, scissors can be broadly classified into conjunctival scissors, corneal scissors, general ophthalmic scissors, intraocular lens scissors, iris scissors, suture scissors, tenotomy scissors, vanna scissors, and strabismus scissors. A typical trabeculectomy and extracapsular cataract extraction hand surgical instrument set contains approximately 3–6 different types of scissors.
Ophthalmic hand surgical instruments are made of materials such as titanium and stainless steel, which are readily available from local suppliers, so the risk of entering the market is low. It is estimated that an ophthalmic surgical kit typically uses 3 to 10 different types of surgical forceps, which accounts for its significant share in revenue. In addition, key players in the industry are focusing on developing lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant surgical forceps. For example, MicroSurgical Technology has developed the Gianetti MICS Capsulorhexis Forceps, which have very thin handles and tips, allowing for more precise glaucoma surgeries.
In 2022, the hospital business accounted for the largest share of revenue, at about 64%. Due to the long shelf life of ophthalmic hand surgical instruments, their purchase is usually a one-time event. The growth of mobile eye care centers is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the business. For example, the African Eye Foundation invested $16 million to build a state-of-the-art eye care center to provide comprehensive eye surgery services to the people of Cameroon in Central Africa.
The U.S. government covers the cost of cataract surgery for patients aged 65 and over. Medicare covers 80% of the total cost of cataract surgery, including pre- and post-operative examinations, cataract removal, intraocular lens implantation, and post-operative glasses. As a result, hospitalization rates remain high.
The eye care clinic segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. Eye care clinics captured the second largest market share in 2022 and are expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Factors such as the introduction of modern and cost-effective surgical equipment and long waiting times in hospitals are expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period. Eye care clinics also reduce unnecessary surgeries and diagnostic tests without compromising on the quality of clinical care. They provide better inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care for various eye conditions, thereby increasing patient preference towards eye care clinics.
Other market segments include research centers, academic institutions, and mobile eye care units. The segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Initiatives such as public awareness programs to address misconceptions and fears among patients regarding eye surgery, and numerous community outreach programs are expected to drive the growth of this segment. For example, the CBM project in Peru provides cataract surgery services to people living in remote areas of Africa through mobile outreach camps.
North America dominates the market and holds the largest revenue share in 2022 at 34.45%. Factors such as high incidence of eye diseases, presence of large players, and effective reimbursement policies contribute to the high revenue share. For example, healthcare payers such as Medicare and Medicaid consider cataract surgery as a medically necessary service and provide it free of charge. Additionally, the demand for hand surgical instruments is expected to increase as ophthalmic surgery resumes after the COVID-19-induced pause.
The European ophthalmic hand surgical instruments market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Modern ophthalmic facilities equipped with advanced technology are the main drivers of the growth in ophthalmic surgeries in Europe. According to the report published by Eurostat in 2022, a total of 3.66 million cataract surgeries, which include lens removal, were performed in the EU Member States in 2020.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. The huge gap between the supply and demand of ophthalmic surgery services in India, China, Japan, and other Southeast Asian countries is expected to fuel the market growth. The significant unmet needs are forcing service providers to develop and plan new ophthalmic facilities in these regions. For example, according to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, about 17 million people in Asia suffer from glaucoma, and this number is expected to increase to 30 million by 2040.
The major players that will dominate the global market in 2022 will be BVI, Accutome Inc., and Katena Products Inc. These companies partner with medical centers to secure long-term supplies of ophthalmic surgical instruments. For example, in April 2021, Katena Products, Inc. announced the acquisition of ASICO, LLC, an industry leader with approximately 35 years of experience and a wide product portfolio of over 1,500 items, including disposable cannulas and blades, stainless steel and titanium instruments, and a select line of diamond burs.
Key market players are pursuing various strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, collaborations, and joint ventures. For example, in May 2022, medical device manufacturer Melling Medical and New World Medical, a global medical device company specializing in glaucoma treatment, announced an agreement to help address the growing number of glaucoma diagnoses among military personnel.
United States; Canada; United Kingdom; Germany; France; Italy; Spain; Denmark; Sweden; Norway; Japan; China; India; Australia; Thailand; South Korea; Brazil; Mexico; Argentina; South Africa; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; Kuwait
Haag-Streit Group; Appasamy Associates; Millennium Surgical Corp; Katalyst Surgical; ASICO, LLC; INKA Surgical Instruments; Surgical Holdings
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This report projects the revenue growth at the global, regional and country levels and also analyzes the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. In this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ophthalmic hand surgical instruments market report based on product, end use and region:
b. The global ophthalmic hand surgical instruments market size is valued at US$ 2.42 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 2.54 billion in 2023.
b. The global ophthalmic hand surgical instruments market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the period 2023-2030 and reach USD 3.37 billion by 2030.
b. North America dominated the ophthalmic hand surgical instruments market with a market share of 34.45% in 2022. This is attributed to the increasing prevalence of eye diseases, the location of key market players, and effective health insurance policies.
b. Some of the major players in the ophthalmic hand surgical instruments market include BVI, Accutome Inc., Katena Products Inc. Haag-Streit Group, Appasamy Associates, Millennium Surgical Corp, Katalyst Surgical, ASICO, LLC., INKA Surgical Instruments and Surgical Holdings.
b. The key factors driving the growth of the ophthalmic portable surgical devices market include increasing patient preference for long-lasting treatments, increasing government funding for large-scale eye surgery programs, and improving ophthalmology infrastructure across the globe.
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Post time: May-17-2025