Corneal Implants Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type Of Corneal Implants (Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP), Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)), By Source Of Corneal Tissue (Allografts, Synthetic Corneal Implants), By Indication (Corneal Scarring, Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy, Bullous Keratopathy, Other Corneal Diseases), By End-User (Hospitals, Eye Banks, Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The corneal implants market is anticipated to expand at a high CAGR over the forecast period.

Corneal implants, also known as corneal inlays or inserts, are innovative medical devices designed to address refractive vision issues and reduce the dependence on glasses or contact lenses. These implants are surgically placed within the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to modify its optical properties and improve visual acuity. Corneal implants work by reshaping the cornea, correcting conditions such as presbyopia or nearsightedness. One of the common types of corneal implants is the inlay, a small device typically inserted into the non-dominant eye to enhance near vision. These implants offer a minimally invasive solution for individuals seeking visual improvement without undergoing more invasive procedures like laser eye surgery. While corneal implants can provide significant benefits for certain eye conditions, their suitability depends on factors like the patient's overall eye health and specific visual needs.

Market Drivers

• Increasing cases of eye problems

The growth of invasive keratoplasty is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of eye injuries and disorders. Penetrating keratoplasty procedures play a crucial role in addressing conditions like corneal ulcers and infectious keratitis. Additionally, this method is the preferred choice for treating ectatic corneal diseases, particularly in cases of keratoconus patients who experience contact lens intolerance or have corrected visual acuity issues. The standard procedure of penetrating keratoplasty has demonstrated remarkable optical and visual outcomes for such patients. The rising number of these procedures underscores the growing demand for corneal implants. According to the 2021 Eye Banking Statistical Report published by the EBAA (Eye Bank Association of America), the United States witnessed a 20.2% increase in the total number of tissue distributed for keratoplasty, reaching 79,641 compared to 66,278 in 2020. This data includes both domestically transplanted and internationally exported intermediate-term preserved corneas, indicating a significant trend in the demand for invasive keratoplasty.

Market Restraints

• Limited number of cornea donors

The limited availability of donor corneas significantly impacts the corneal implant market by posing a critical challenge to meeting the demand for corneal transplantation procedures. The success of corneal implants, particularly in treating conditions like keratoconus or corneal ulcers, relies on the availability of healthy donor corneas. However, there is a global shortage of donor corneas, leading to extended waiting times for patients in need of corneal transplantation. This scarcity not only hinders timely access to necessary surgical interventions but also restricts the number of procedures that can be performed. The imbalance between the demand for corneal implants and the insufficient supply of donor corneas underscores the urgency of addressing this issue through initiatives that promote corneal donation, enhance public awareness, and explore alternative solutions to bridge the gap between demand and supply in the corneal implants market.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the market

In North America, particularly in the United States, the market has been predominantly led by a significant market share, and this trend is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. The region's market growth is attributed to various factors, including the increasing awareness surrounding eye donation and the presence of numerous organizations dedicated to promoting cornea donation and transplantation. An example of such efforts is the Eye Bank Association of America's (EBAA) annual celebration of Eye Donation Month in November, which is aimed at raising awareness and encouraging eye surgeries. These initiatives are anticipated to contribute to the growth of eye surgeries in the country. Moreover, the rising prevalence of keratoconus, a condition affecting one in every 2,000 Americans, is expected to drive the demand for corneal implants. This increasing demand is further fueled by the high incidence of vision impairment in the region, as noted in CDC statistics from June 2020, which reported approximately 12 million people aged 40 years and above experiencing vision impairment in the United States. Consequently, the elevated number of ophthalmic surgeries contributes to the escalating demand for corneal implants in the region.

Company Products

• In September 2022, Celregen and Cellusion Inc. entered into an exclusive license agreement for the development and distribution of corneal endothelial cell regenerative therapy in the Greater China region.
• In July 2022, Carl Zeiss Meditec and Precise Bio disclosed a collaborative partnership focused on the advancement and commercialization of tissue-based implants designed for ophthalmology.

Market Segmentation

• By Type of Corneal Implants
  • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP)
  • Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)
  • Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK)
  • Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
• By Source of Corneal Tissue
  • Allografts
  • Synthetic Corneal Implants
• By Indication
  • Corneal Scarring
  • Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy
  • Bullous Keratopathy
  • Other Corneal Diseases
• By End-User
  • Hospitals
  • Eye Banks
  • Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others