Global Corneal Implants Market By Type-(Human Cornea, Synthetic),Surgery Method-(Penetrating Keratoplasty, Endothelial Keratoplasty),By Application-(Keratoconus, Fuchs Dystrophy, Infectious Keratitis, Corneal Ulcers, Others),By End-use-(Hospitals, Ophthalmic Centers, Ambulatory Surgical Centers) By Region, and Key Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2023-2033

Market Overview

The Global Corneal Implants Market size is expected to be worth around USD 902.3 Million by 2033 from USD 450.2 Million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

The key driver of market growth is the rising incidence of ophthalmic disorders such as Fuchs dystrophy, Keratoconus, and infectious keratitis.

The NCBI report states that approximately 10-15% of patients diagnosed with Keratoconus will need to undergo a corneal transplant procedure. Corneal blindness affects 10,000,000 people worldwide and is the third leading cause of blindness after glaucoma or cataract. An estimated 200,000 corneal transplant procedures are performed annually.

While this is true, there are still 12.7 million patients who need corneal implant procedures. The gap between demand and supply for corneal implants is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

*Actual Numbers Might Vary In The Final Report

Key Takeaways

• Market Size & Growth: Corneal Implants Market size is expected to be worth around USD 902.3 Million by 2033 from USD 450.2 Million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%.
• Type Analysis: Human tissue implants dominate the Corneal Implants Market with an estimated market share of 88% in 2023.
• Surgery Method Analysis: Penetrating Keratoplasty held a significant market share 50.2% in 2023.
• Application Analysis: The segment Fuchs dystrophy held a 54% considerable market share in 2023.
• End-Use Analysis: Hospitals held the largest market share, with over 58.1%, in 2023.
• Regional Analysis: North America held 57.8% of the market share in 2023 and holding a USD 260.2 Million value.

Type Analysis

Human tissue implants dominate the Corneal Implants Market with an estimated market share of 88% in 2023. Their exceptional success in improving Visual Acuity (VA) outcomes and an incredible human cornea transplant success rate of 95% is attributable to this remarkable dominance; further evidenced by minimal follow-up requirements necessary for repeated follow-ups proving their efficacy and reliability as an approach for treating visual impairments that has become integral to modern corneal implant technology.

The fastest CAGR for the synthetic type segment is 7.7% between 2023 and 2033. These implants are known as artificial corneas.

They can be classified into semi-synthetic (collagen-based), purely synthetic(Polymethyl Methacrylate, PMMA), or titanium-based. Segment growth will be driven by the decreasing availability of human corneas and the increasing incidence of visual impairment caused by corneal opacification.

Surgery Method Analysis

Penetrating Keratoplasty held a significant market share 50.2% in 2023 and will continue to be dominant for the future. The segment for endothelial and keratoplasty will see the highest CAGR between 2023-2033. Because of its safety record and effectiveness, penetrating Keratoplasty is the most popular procedure for corneal surgery. The Eye Bank Association of America reports that 48% of corneas produced by the eye bank were used to perform keratoplasty. The availability of other promising methods has led to a slow decline in its popularity.

The market share of the product will be maintained due to its relative advantage over more modern approaches such as its ability to avoid stromal interface and its efficiency in treating large central perforations. Endothelial corneal keratoplasty (EK) is the most recent method of corneal transplant. This involves replacing only the affected tissue, and not the whole thickness.

This allows for faster and more effective visual restoration, with a lower chance of infection and accidents to your eye surface. Fuchs Dystrophy is on the rise and the segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period.

Application Analysis

The segment Fuchs dystrophy held a 54% considerable market share in 2023. It is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Fuchs Dystrophy is expected to see a rise in the aging population. Keratoconus was also a major market player in 2023. According to the Cancer Research Foundation of America (CRFA), one in five keratoconus sufferers will reach the point where a corneal transplant is required to restore normal sight.

The growth of the segment is expected to be boosted by FDA-approved corneal implants and advanced corneal procedures such as Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty. Fuchs dystrophy (keratoconus), corneal ulcers (corneal ulcers), keratoconus, and Fuchs disease are some of the applications. Other segments include the use of corneal implants for post-surgical cataract edema and congenital corneal opaqueness, as well as mechanical or chemical damage to corneas.

End-User Analysis

Hospitals held the largest market share, with over 58.1%, in 2023. They are expected to enjoy a healthy CAGR over the forecast period. This segment is expected to grow due to the availability of highly skilled surgeons, a rising number of patients, and access to transnational eyes banks.

Ophthalmic centers accounted for the second-largest market share in 2023. They are expected to experience a healthy growth rate during the forecast period. This segment will be driven by a growing number of ophthalmologists who are entering the field, a greater acceptance of keratoprosthesis, shorter wait times, and an increase in the number of doctors accepting it.

The Ambulatory and Surgical Center (ASC), segment is predicted to experience the greatest CAGR over the forecast time. Corneal implant procedures can be done in most hospitals as outpatient procedures. It is expected that its popularity will increase in ASCs due to its single-day nature. These centers receive funding from both the public and private sectors.

*Actual Numbers Might Vary In The Final Report

Key Market Segments

Type

• Human Cornea
• Synthetic

Surgery Method

• Penetrating Keratoplasty
• Endothelial Keratoplasty

Application

• Keratoconus
• Fuchs Dystrophy
• Infectious Keratitis
• Corneal Ulcers
• Others

End-use

• Hospitals
• Ophthalmic Centers
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Driving Factors

Corneal blindness affects approximately 10 million individuals globally, driving market growth for cornea implants. An increased prevalence of corneal blindness is one factor contributing to its expansion. Rapid market development is driven by the shortage of human cornea donors. Meanwhile, rising trauma cases heightening eye injury risk and adding another driver for market expansion.

Biosynthetic cornea implants differ significantly from human donor cornea transplants by having an increased likelihood of nerve regeneration post-implantation. India, like other densely-populated regions, experiences a shortage of cornea donors resulting in longer waiting times for cornea transplant surgeries. There are an estimated 6.8 million Indians suffering from corneal anomalies that impair vision in one eye alone and approximately one million who are visually impaired due to bilateral issues.

Trending Factors

Current market trends pertaining to cornea implants market can be summarized into several notable aspects, which together define its trajectory. One such trend is the incorporation of advanced technologies that play a vital role in developing more effective and durable cornea implants. Technological progress has led to improved biomaterials, manufacturing techniques and implant designs.

Another driving factor is the rising incidence of corneal blindness globally which increases demand for artificial cornea implants; biosynthetic cornea implants in particular seem to offer distinct advantages, including higher nerve regeneration potential compared with traditional human donor corneas.

Restraint

A key challenge facing the global cornea implant market is human eyes’ potential rejection of alloplastic cornea implants. cornea implant surgeries in emerging nations often come at a high cost, hindering their adoption and slowing market expansion. Scarce human cornea donors as well as elevated risks involved with implanting cornea implants have an enormous influence on this market.

OCT diagnostic services and OCT angiography may incur higher-than-usual costs, as Ophthalmology Magazine reports they account for 3-12% of visits in typical general ophthalmology practices. Furthermore, equipment upkeep, staffing costs and training influence purchasing decisions of expensive equipment; ultimately limiting market expansion for clinics or small diagnostic centers.

opportunities

Producers of corneal implants stand to reap significant growth opportunities due to the high prevalence of corneal blindness and shortage of donors; both factors will present immense growth prospects for these businesses. Furthermore, demand is on the rise due to increasing frequency of corneal infections as well as visual impairment among working individuals with clouded corneas driving global demand for these devices.

Due to their high demand, collagen-based bioengineered artificial corneas are in high demand. LinkCor, a linkoCare Life Sciences Ltd. collagen-based artificial cornea, is being considered a replacement for human corneas. Market growth is expected to be boosted by increased awareness of the importance of eye donation. Market growth can also be supported through the development of improved eye care facilities and eye banking infrastructures in developing countries.

Regional Analysis

North America held 57.8% of the market share in 2023 and holding a USD 260.2 Million value for the Corneal Implants Market which was the largest. These factors include the proximity to major market players, the availability of reimbursement policies, and the increased R&D activity related to corneal implant research.

CorneaGen and the Institute of Regenerative Medicine have teamed up to develop corneas based on the replication of embryonic stem cells. Europe had the second-largest market share for 2023. In Europe, the second-largest market share was held by Italy in 2023.

A decrease in corneal transplants has led to a shortage of corneal tissue. The cost of importing cornea from another country is high and should be comparable to the local resources. In view of this, the Optout system for organ donation has been adopted by all countries in the region. It promotes corneal donation and drives market growth.

The Asia Pacific will likely be the fastest-growing area over the forecast period. Market growth is expected to be driven by the existence of many emerging markets as well as unmet clinical needs in countries such as China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

*Actual Numbers Might Vary In The Final Report

Кеу Regions and Countries

North America

• US
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• Germany
• UK
• France
• Italy
• Russia
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

APAC

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

South America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of South America

MEA

• GCC
• South Africa
• Israel
• Rest of MEA

Market Player Analysis

Globally, the market is fragmented. Major companies are using various business strategies to increase their market share, including mergers and acquisitions and product launches.

Major companies are employing various business strategies, including mergers and acquisitions as well as product launches, to strengthen their foothold in the industry. One notable instance was noted in an August 2022 article regarding collaborative efforts among researchers from LIV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), IIT Hyderabad and Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology to create a 3D printed cornea made entirely out of human corneal tissue without synthetic components; supported by both philanthropic organizations as well as government funding. Some key players in the global corneal implants market include:

Key Market Players

• Florida Lions Eye Bank
• Alcon Inc.
• Aurolab
• CorneaGen
• AJL Ophthalmic S.A.
• DIOPTEX
• Massachusetts Eye and Ear
• San Diego Eye Bank
• KeraMed, Inc.
• Presbia PLC

Recent Development

• Advanced Materials and Technologies: With regards to biomaterials and technologies used for corneal implants, ongoing research and development efforts continue. Scientists and manufacturers alike are exploring new materials which improve biocompatibility while increasing performance levels of implant systems.
• Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approvals: Many companies were actively conducting clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of their corneal implant products, while regulatory clearance from health authorities could potentially have an enormous effect on market dynamics.
• Focus on Biosynthetic Corneas: Biosynthetic cornea implants have garnered increasing ated regenerativetention due to their potential benefits, including reduced rejection risk and enhanc capabilities. Companies working on such biosynthetic lenses were making waves in the market.
• Global Expansion and Market Penetration: Companies operating in the corneal implants sector focused on expanding their global presence through strategic partnerships, collaborations, and distribution agreements designed to penetrate emerging markets while meeting rising demand for their products.

Report Scope