Corneal Implant Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The corneal implants market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

The rapid emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on ophthalmic surgery across the globe. The suspension of elective procedures during the pandemic reduced the number of patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery globally, as ophthalmic procedures are considered elective procedures. Also, in March 2020, CMS recommended the cancellation of elective surgery as part of the national response to COVID-19. Moreover, in March 2020, the AAO released practice guidelines advising ophthalmologists to cease providing any treatment other than urgent and emergent care. Moreover, as per August 2021 published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, no rebound effect was observed once the pandemic restrictions were eased. Simultaneous bilateral cataract surgeries (SBCS) constituted 6.5% of cataract procedures performed in April 2021 and May 2021 compared with 0.77% carried out between May 2019 and March 2021. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the market at the initial stages of the pandemic but then started to cover significantly as the COVID-19 cases started to subside.

The market growth can be largely attributed to the factors such as technological advancements in corneal implants, the increasing prevalence of the geriatric population, and growing incidences of eye disorders worldwide. These factors are leading to a huge demand for corneal implants in healthcare facilities. The geriatric population is prone to suffer from Fuchs' dystrophy which is treated with endothelial keratoplasty (EK). According to a March 2020 article published in Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, the late-onset form of Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy is a common condition, affecting approximately 4% of people above 40 years of age in United States. In addition, bullous keratopathy is the most common condition among older people who undergo cataract surgery. Such patients are recommended to undergo an EK procedure. Moreover, as per the World Population Ageing 2022 report by the UN, the share of the global population aged 65 years or above is projected to rise from 10% in 2022 to 16% in 2050. By 2050, the number of persons aged 65 years or over worldwide is projected to be more than twice the number of children under age 5 and about the same as the number of children under age 12. Thus, the increase in the geriatric population will fuel overall market growth.

Moreover, the demand for collagen-based artificial corneas is increasing owing to their biocompatibility and low cost which has led to the development of bio-engineered artificial corneas. In addition, increased R&D activities in this area are contributing to market growth. For instance, in July 2020, CorNeat Vision developed an easily implantable and affordable artificial cornea, CorNeat KPro. The CorNeat KPro has been designed to replace scarred, deformed, or opacified corneas and is anticipated to fully and immediately rehabilitate the vision of corneally blind patients. The product is expected to achieve CE marking and US FDA clearance in 2022. Also, in June 2021, Israeli ophthalmology startup, EyeOn Medical, received a CE Mark for its flagship product EndoArt, the world's first synthetic corneal implant designed to counteract corneal edema. Thus, the aforementioned technological developments are contributing to the rising demand for corneal implants.

Also, due to the growing incidence of eye disorders worldwide, there is a huge demand for corneal implants. Corneal implants are used in the treatment of keratoconus, corneal opacity, corneal blindness, and other eye disorders. As per the 2020 statistics by the Cornea Research Foundation of America, 50 to 200 out of every 100,000 people in the general population were affected by keratoconus disorder in 2020. This indicates that an increase in several people suffering from keratoconus disorder is expected to increase the demand for corneal implants. In addition, as per the 2020 statistics by the RNIB, an estimated number of 4.1 million people in United Kingdom will be affected by blindness by 2050. Furthermore, as per the WHO statistics of 2021, globally, approximately 2.2 billion people had near or distant vision impairment and 4.2 million people had corneal opacities in 2020. Such a huge number indicates a high demand for corneal implants. Thus, all the above-mentioned factors are currently augmenting the growth of the corneal implant market.

However, the high costs of surgical procedures and ophthalmic devices and the availability of alternative treatments are some of the factors impeding the market growth.

Corneal Implants Market Trends

Penetrating Keratoplasty is Expected to Witness a Significant Growth During the Forecast Period

The major factors attributed to the growth of invasive keratoplasty are the increasing number of people suffering from eye-ball injuries and eye disorders. Penetrating keratoplasty procedures are performed to treat patients suffering from eye disorders such as corneal ulcers and infectious keratitis. In addition, penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is preferred for treating ectatic corneal disease and has been the standard procedure for the treatment of keratoconus patients with remarkable optical and visual outcomes for keratoconus patients that are contact lens intolerant or have corrected visual acuity.

Moreover, an increasing number of penetrating keratoplasty procedures indicates the rising demand for corneal implants. According to the 2021 Eye Banking Statistical Report by the EBAA, the total number of United States-supplied tissue distributed for keratoplasty (including long-term preserved tissue) was 79,641, a 20.2% increase from 66,278 in 2020. 49,110 intermediate-term preserved corneas were transplanted in United States, and 22,928 were exported internationally in 2021. As per the same source, the number of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) grafts in United States was 16,269 (a 5.6% increase), while EK numbers increased by 15.3% to 30,098. Hence, the increasing number of penetrating keratoplasty surgeries indicates the rising demand for corneal implants. Thus, given the above-mentioned factors, the segment is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period.

North America Accounted for the Largest Share in the Global Market

Within North America, United States has held the major share of the market and is expected to dominate during the forecast period. The increasing awareness about eye donation in the region and the presence of several organizations are a few of the major factors accounting for the growth of the market in the region. For instance, the EBAA celebrates eye donation month each November to raise awareness about cornea donation and transplantation. Such initiatives are likely to increase the number of eye surgeries performed in the country.

Additionally, the increasing prevalence of keratoconus is expected to increase the demand for corneal implants, which is expected to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period. For instance, according to the EBAA 2021 report, keratoconus affects one in every 2,000 Americans. It generally manifests early in life and is most prevalent among teenagers and adults. This is likely to create demand for the product.

Moreover, as per the June 2020 statistics by the CDC, approximately 12 million people aged 40 years and above suffered from vision impairment in United States in 2020. Thus, the high prevalence of vision impairment in the region has boosted the number of ophthalmic surgeries that further contribute to the rising demand for corneal implants.

Thus, all the aforementioned factors are expected to boost the market in the region during the forecast period.

Corneal Implants Market Competitive Analysis

The corneal implants market is highly fragmented due to the presence of several regional and global market players. These players focus on growth strategies such as new product launches, innovations in existing products, and mergers and acquisitions. Some of the market players are also focusing on the provision of human eye corneas while maintaining a focus on eye donations. Key players operating in the global market are CorneaGen, CorNeat Vision, Aurolab, KERAMED Inc., and Price Vision Group, among others.

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