Ophthalmic Operating Room Microscope Market

Market Overview

The global ophthalmic operating room microscope market size was valued at USD 482.15 million in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 735.24 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Growing rates of eye-related diseases, more effective minimally invasive ophthalmic surgeries, expensive and high-maintenance ophthalmic microscopes, and more advancements in ophthalmic operating room microscope technology

Ophthalmic operating room microscopes are used to obtain a detailed image of a human eye for precise surgery without damaging the eyes' surface. The human eye can get easily damaged as it is a delicate organ, which requires microscopically tracking and monitoring the condition during checkups or surgery of the human eye. The type of optics used is an important consideration when selecting an ophthalmic operating microscope. High light transmission from an apochromatic lens enables high-quality imaging at lower light intensities.

The ability to switch between halogen and xenon lighting is one of the numerous lighting options offered by some ophthalmic surgery microscope models. The second binoculars, known as the "observer" set, are sometimes included with ophthalmic surgical microscopes. Some of these binoculars have independent focusing mechanisms, which can either be fixed or adjustable. The two main factors driving the global ophthalmic operating room microscope market growth are the geriatric population and the effectiveness of minimally invasive ophthalmic surgeries.

Market Dynamics

Global Ophthalmic Operating Room Microscope Market Drivers

Increasing Effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Ophthalmic Surgeries

The use of minimally invasive surgical methods has revolutionized many surgical specialties. By using these methods, tissue trauma rates are reduced, the postoperative recovery is sped up, and complications, patient discomfort, hospital stay durations, and missed work are all decreased. In cataract surgery, micro-incisions of less than 2 mm have replaced the large corneal incisions of extracapsular surgery as the gold standard, improving outcomes and hastening patient vision recovery. Even in complex procedures, suture-less small-gauge (25–27 gauge) vitrectomy speeds up recovery and yields better results than 20–gauge approaches that require conjunctival incisions.

Moreover, non-penetrating keratoplasty procedures in corneal surgery, the placement of tiny drainage implants for glaucoma, endoscopic techniques for the lacrimal system, and small incisions for lid and strabismus surgery all make use of micro-invasive techniques. These techniques have been developed due to advancements in instrumentation, ophthalmologic technology, and technical approaches by creative surgeons. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is an increasingly popular surgical technique. As a result, the preference for minimally invasive ophthalmic procedures is increasing, significantly contributing to the global market expansion.

Rising Eye-Related Diseases

Ophthalmic diseases like glaucoma and cataracts have alarmingly increased worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.2 million Americans over 40 are blind or have low vision in better lighting conditions. In addition, around 7.2 million Americans are expected to have low vision or be blind by 2030. Age-related eye diseases like glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration are the leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States. A few other common eye conditions are strabismus and amblyopia. The market for ophthalmic operating room microscopes is anticipated to grow due to the rise in ophthalmic diseases and the consequent increase in the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Global Ophthalmic Operating Room Microscope Market Restraint

High Cost of Ophthalmic Microscopes and High Maintenance

Due to the high costs of raw materials and equipment manufacturing, a high-quality ophthalmic operating room is significantly expensive. For instance, an ophthalmic surgical microscope can cost up to USD 50,000. The maintenance cost is also higher, and the lack of skilled medical operators in underdeveloped and developing countries can restrain growth. Furthermore, because developing and underdeveloped nations cannot afford such equipment, the high cost of microscopes may impede the development of the market for ophthalmic operating room microscopes in these nations.

Global Ophthalmic Operating Room Microscope Market Opportunities

Increasing Innovations in the Ophthalmic Operating Room Microscope Technology

An increase in ophthalmic operating room microscope research and development is creating several opportunities for market growth. For instance, as part of a new five-year USD 1.8 million grant from the National Eye Institute, a multidisciplinary team of engineers and clinicians at Vanderbilt University Medical Center had started their work on a novel, 4D intraoperative spectrally encoded coherence tomography and reflectometry (iSECTR) technology in 2020. This technology enables simultaneous, intrinsically co-registered, and cross-sectional OCT imaging. In addition, robotic eye surgery is the latest technology in the field of ophthalmology that is very successful in treating some eye conditions. In robotic eye surgery, a surgeon uses a computerized system to direct tiny surgical tools to the operating area. In comparison to traditional surgery, this method enables greater precision and control. The most typical conditions treated with robotic eye surgery include cataracts and retinal detachment.

Advances in ophthalmology have greatly helped patients, particularly in cornea and refractive surgery. Postoperative complications have decreased due to the widespread use of procedures like femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty (FLEK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). New corneal implants, like the Boston Keratoprosthesis, also give hope to patients with severe corneal disease. Therefore, due to rapid technological advancements and innovative methods, the ophthalmic operating room microscope market is anticipated to grow over the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

The global ophthalmic operating room microscope market share is bifurcated into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global ophthalmic operating room microscope market shareholder and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The larger share is linked to the well-developed healthcare system and the rising prevalence of eye-related diseases in countries such as the USA and Canada. For instance, the CDC reports that about 6.1 million Americans had their lenses surgically removed and replaced with new ones to treat their cataracts. In addition, the CDC estimates that 20.5 million Americans over 40 have at least one eye affected by a cataract. By 2028, it is anticipated to have a population of over 30 million. The region's high purchasing power and growing acceptance of technologically advanced ophthalmic microscopes make it a lucrative market for manufacturers. Due to the rising prevalence of eye-related diseases and increased R&D efforts by businesses to develop novel products, the North American ophthalmology operating room microscope market is anticipated to grow at a higher rate over the forecast period.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6%, generating USD 173.87 million during the forecast period. In many parts of Europe, cataract is one of the most common eye diseases, and many European nations claim that cataract surgery is one of the most frequently done surgeries. In Europe, cataract surgeries are completed on the same day. In specific circumstances where anesthesia is administered, or serious complications arise, hospitalization is necessary. In most European nations, day surgeries make up about 90% of all cataract operations. Day surgery rates are low in Lithuania, Poland, and the Slovak Republic.

In European nations, women are more likely than men to develop cataracts. The market for ophthalmic operating room microscopes in Europe is being significantly fueled by the alarming rise in the prevalence of ophthalmic diseases in the continent. Furthermore, a significant trend in the region is increased programs to aid blind patients in Europe. For instance, the WHO's global initiative Vision 2020, which aims to lessen the burden of blindness, is currently operating in Europe. Additionally, private charitable organizations contribute money to the region's blind population.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow substantially owing to the rapid technological advancements in China, South Korea, Japan, and India. Due to the rise in cataract surgeries and government initiatives to support medical device manufacturing, Asia-Pacific provides profitable investment opportunities. Moreover, it is anticipated that improvements to the healthcare infrastructure will present a significant opportunity for the area, drawing the interest of manufacturers of ophthalmic devices. The demand for ophthalmic operating room microscopes in the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to increase due to government initiatives and programs to raise awareness of eye-related illnesses and their complications. Due to an increase in the prevalence of eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and refractive errors, Asia-Pacific is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, the market is expected to grow as the geriatric population rises and the preference for surgical procedures for treatment increases.

LAMEA region is projected to contribute to the growth of the ophthalmic operating room microscope industry due to the use of advanced and minimally invasive ophthalmic surgeries for eye treatment in the UAE and Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, cataracts are still Latin America's primary cause of blindness. In Brazil, visual impairment and blindness are the two most common health issues. Retinal disorders are the most frequently reported cases, followed by cataracts and glaucoma. Furthermore, eye-related illnesses are prevalent among Brazil's elderly population. With the advancement of modernization and the implementation of modern medical care, Brazil underwent a significant social change in the 20th century, which resulted in a paradigm shift in the field of public health. One of Brazil's successful programs was expanding access to cataract surgery. As a result, the WHO decided to focus its extensive population-based eye survey on Brazil.

Segmental Analysis

The global ophthalmic operating room microscope market is segmented by product, indication, and end-user.

Based on product, the global market is bifurcated into on-casters, wall-mounted, tabletop, and ceiling-mounted ophthalmic microscopes.

The on-casters segment is the highest contributor to the market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The larger share is due to its greater mobility. The on-caster stand is the most common supporting device. Modern microscopes have precision motorized mechanics in their supporting structures, allowing for simple balancing and flexible positioning. It has a locking mechanism to keep the body stable throughout the surgical field while still allowing it to move in any direction.

Additionally, the instrument's base allows for simple movement of the entire piece, which can be lowered and locked into place for use. The global market is anticipated to grow as on-casters microscopes are widely used in ophthalmology surgery applications. Additionally, it is utilized in precise dental surgery when odontology dentistry is considered. On-casters microscopes have several advantages, including postural comfort and educational, psychological, and procedural advantages. These elements have accelerated the market growth for ophthalmic operating room microscopes.

Based on application, the global market is bifurcated cataract surgery, Lasik, keratoplasty surgery, and trabeculectomy.

The cataract surgery segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. The larger share is linked to the rising prevalence of cataracts in the geriatric and younger populations. Cataracts can develop at any age, affecting old and younger people due to several factors, such as trauma, use of steroids, and diabetes. Modern technology has made cataract operations quick, safe, and successful. Traditional cataract surgeries relied heavily on surgeons' accuracy and used a scalpel. In addition, removing the damaged lens requires a lengthy and labor-intensive procedure. However, computer-guided lasers have unparalleled accuracy and are used in modern surgeries.

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery has significantly shortened recovery time, improved safety, and boosted productivity. During cataract surgeries, the cloudy eye lens is replaced with a new lens that provides patients with distance vision. Patients can regain near, middle, and far vision due to cataract surgery. In contrast, some patients improve their vision as never before and no longer depend on eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Based on end-user, the global market is bifurcated into hospitals and clinics and ambulatory surgical centers.

The hospital and clinics segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Outpatients receive medical care and assistance in hospitals and clinics, which serve as medical facilities. An operating surgical microscope is the most crucial optical tool in ophthalmic surgeries. It offers the surgeon a high-quality image of the tiny ophthalmic structures that have been magnified and illuminated. The superior stereoscopy offered by binocular surgical microscopes is a bonus. Additionally, the department handles the OPD needs of 35,000 patients each year.

Recent Developments

• March 2022- During SECO 2022, Alcon formally introduced DAILIES TOTAL1® for Astigmatism with a sizable in-booth presence at an exclusive event. Alcon is the industry pioneer in eye care committed to assisting people to see brilliantly.
• July 2022- Carl Zeiss Meditec and Precise Bio announced a partnership for developing cornea transplant products.