Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Cohesive, Dispersive, Viscoadaptive), By Applications (Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma Surgery, Corneal Grafting, Vitreoretinal Grafting, Others), By End-User (Hospitals, Ophthalmology Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices Market Size

The global ophthalmic viscosurgical devices market size was valued at USD 442.96 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 475.71 million in 2025 to reach USD 737.77 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices (OVDs) are specialized viscoelastic solutions used in eye surgeries, particularly cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal procedures. These devices help maintain space in the anterior chamber, protect delicate ocular tissues, and enhance surgical precision. OVDs come in different viscosities—cohesive, dispersive, and combined—each serving specific functions during surgery. They prevent intraocular structures from collapsing, reduce endothelial cell damage, and improve the safety of intraocular lens implantation.

Widely used in modern ophthalmology, OVDs play a crucial role in ensuring successful surgical outcomes and faster patient recovery. The ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, especially among older people. As the elderly demographic is more prone to eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases, the demand for OVDs to aid in surgeries such as cataracts and corneal grafting has significantly risen.

The graph below highlights the strong correlation between age and the prevalence of cataracts, underscoring the growing market need for these surgical aids

Source: Straits Research, Wiley Online Library

The prevalence data of cataracts in 2023 indicates that cataract conditions are most commonly found in individuals aged 60 and above, highlighting the increased susceptibility of this age group to eye disorders. OVDs are vital for maintaining intraocular pressure during eye surgeries like cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal grafting, as they protect delicate eye tissues and enhance visibility for surgeons.

Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices Market Trends

Growth of ophthalmology clinics as key end-users for premium ophthalmic viscosurgical devices

Ophthalmology clinics are emerging as major end-users of premium ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs), driven by the increasing number of solo ophthalmology practices. These clinics are adopting advanced OVDs to enhance surgical precision and improve patient outcomes, particularly in premium intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

• According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as of 2022, there were approximately 18,000 practicing ophthalmologists in the U.S., with nearly 26% operating independently in solo practices.

This rise in independent clinics reflects the growing demand for specialized, high-quality ophthalmic care, further fueling the adoption of advanced OVDs.

Market Growth Factors

Increasing adoption of OVDs in corneal grafting surgeries

The increasing incidence of keratoconus and Fuchs' dystrophy, particularly penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and endothelial keratoplasty (EK), has increased the demand for corneal grafting surgeries. OVDs are important in these procedures as they protect the donor graft by stabilizing the anterior chamber and minimizing endothelial cell loss.

• For instance, a study published by NCBI in July 2023 highlighted that chondroitin sulfate–sodium hyaluronate (CS-HA) OVDs lead to less postoperative loss of endothelial cells and may better protect the corneal endothelium during cataract surgery, relative to other OVDs.

Thus, the increasing preference for high-quality OVDs in corneal grafting surgeries underscores their crucial role in corneal transplant, further propelling market demand.

Market Restraining Factors

Competition from alternative breastfeeding solutions

A significant challenge in the ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) market, particularly with cohesive OVDs, is their potential to cause intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes if not fully removed after surgery. This issue is especially critical in cataract and glaucoma procedures, where maintaining optimal pressure levels is essential for post-surgical recovery.

Residual cohesive OVDs can obstruct aqueous humor outflow, leading to transient IOP elevations that may result in complications such as optic nerve injury, particularly in glaucoma patients. Although cohesive OVDs are generally preferred for their ease of removal, studies indicate that even minimal traces left behind can contribute to IOP fluctuations.

This safety concern has limited the widespread adoption of cohesive OVDs, particularly in glaucoma surgeries, where precise pressure control is crucial. As a result, the market faces challenges in balancing the benefits of cohesive OVDs with the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent post-operative pressure spikes.

Market Opportunities

Expanding product range for sensitive skin and medical-grade solutions

The demand for ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) with superior biocompatibility is rising, particularly in vitreoretinal surgeries where longer intraocular retention is necessary. In procedures such as retinal detachment repair and macular hole surgery, minimizing inflammation and cellular toxicity is critical to ensuring successful outcomes. To address these needs, the market is witnessing innovations in viscoadaptive OVDs that provide extended retention while reducing postoperative complications.

• For example, Alcon's Viscoat OVD combines dispersive and cohesive properties, offering enhanced protection and biocompatibility for complex surgeries. The dispersive component forms a protective coating over the corneal endothelium, shielding it from mechanical trauma and ultrasound energy during phacoemulsification, while the cohesive component helps maintain anterior chamber stability, ensuring precise intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Such advancements cater to the growing need for safer, long-lasting OVDs, improving surgical precision and patient recovery in delicate retinal procedures.

Regional Insights

North America: Dominant region with 37.48% market share

North America holds a leading position in the global ophthalmic viscosurgical devices market due to the high prevalence of age-related eye diseases like cataracts, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and the presence of key market players. The region's healthcare system supports cutting-edge technology adoption, with hospitals and ophthalmology clinics investing in premium OVDs for complex surgeries.

Moreover, regulatory approvals from agencies like the FDA and an aging population in the U.S. contribute significantly to the growing demand. Favorable reimbursement policies further encourage patients to opt for advanced surgical interventions, boosting market growth.

Asia-Pacific: Fastest growing region with the highest market CAGR

Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR due to a combination of factors such as increasing healthcare investments, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and rising prevalence of ocular diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. The region also benefits from a growing number of ophthalmic clinics and hospitals adopting premium ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) to enhance surgical outcomes. Moreover, local manufacturing and affordable pricing of OVDs are making these devices more accessible, fueling market expansion.

Countries Insights

• U.S.- The U.S. dominates the OVD market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high demand for cataract and glaucoma surgeries, and a robust aging population. With approximately 3.7 million cataract surgeries performed annually, the U.S. remains a key driver for ophthalmic viscosurgical devices. The country’s high adoption of cutting-edge technology and favorable FDA regulations also contribute to the growing demand for OVDs, ensuring steady market expansion.
• Germany – Germany's well-established ophthalmic market is driven by a high prevalence of cataracts and an aging population. With 600,000 to 800,000 cataract surgeries annually, demand for OVDs is significant. The country’s advanced healthcare system, strong research capabilities, and emphasis on high-quality dispersive and cohesive OVDs foster widespread usage in hospitals and ophthalmology clinics, further contributing to market growth, particularly in regions with high surgical volumes.
• France - France’s ophthalmic market benefits from robust medical tourism, especially for vitreoretinal surgeries. The increasing number of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients in key cities like Paris contributes to the rising demand for dispersive and cohesive OVDs. France’s efficient healthcare reimbursement system, coupled with technological advancements in surgery, ensures that OVDs remain accessible and widely used, further stimulating steady growth.
• China - China’s large, aging population has significantly increased demand for cataract and glaucoma surgeries, positioning the country as a major player in the OVD market. Government investments in healthcare infrastructure and the rise of private healthcare facilities further boost OVD adoption. Local manufacturers also contribute by offering cost-effective alternatives, expanding OVD accessibility, and meeting the needs of the growing elderly population and rising surgical volumes.
• India – India’s ophthalmic viscosurgical devices market is expanding rapidly due to the country’s growing elderly population and the increasing incidence of cataracts. As healthcare infrastructure improves and the number of private clinics rises, demand for high-quality cohesive and dispersive OVDs increases. Government initiatives, such as affordable healthcare schemes and advancements in medical technology, continue to drive market growth, positioning India as a fast-growing market.
• Japan - Japan's ophthalmic market is evolving with a focus on advanced surgical techniques, including corneal grafting. The country’s innovative healthcare infrastructure and rising prevalence of keratoconus and corneal diseases fuel the demand for premium OVDs. Japan’s commitment to biocompatible materials aligns with global trends, driving the adoption of high-quality OVDs in both public and private sectors. The country remains a key market for technological advancements in ophthalmic surgeries.
• Brazil - Brazil is the largest ophthalmic market in Latin America, driven by increasing eye disease prevalence and a growing elderly population with ophthalmic conditions. As the healthcare system develops, there is a growing adoption of advanced OVDs in both public and private sectors. Government initiatives support ophthalmic care, promoting access to high-quality OVDs. Brazil's expanding healthcare infrastructure and demand for cataract surgeries ensure sustained market growth and regional leadership in ophthalmic devices.

Segmentation Analysis

By type

The dispersive OVD segment leads the global ophthalmic viscosurgical devices market, driven by its superior ability to protect the corneal endothelium during surgery. These OVDs create a stable protective layer, reducing mechanical trauma and ultrasound energy impact during phacoemulsification. Moreover, their ease of removal minimizes post-operative complications such as intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes.

• For instance, Bausch + Lomb's Amvisc Plus offers enhanced endothelial protection and is widely used in cataract surgeries, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and surgical efficiency.

By application

Cataract surgery remains the largest application segment for ophthalmic viscosurgical devices due to its high global prevalence and the essential role of OVDs in stabilizing the anterior chamber and protecting the corneal endothelium. The increasing adoption of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) has further driven the demand for advanced OVDs.

• For instance, a ScienceDirect article (November 2022) reported that over 26 million cataract surgeries are performed annually, reinforcing the need for reliable OVDs in ophthalmic procedures.

By end-user

Hospitals dominate the global ophthalmic viscosurgical devices market, benefiting from high patient volumes, advanced surgical infrastructure, and access to specialized ophthalmic equipment. These facilities handle complex procedures requiring high-performance OVDs to optimize surgical precision and patient safety. Hospitals also attract a greater number of cataract and vitreoretinal surgeries, making them the primary end-users of premium and viscoadaptive OVDs for improved clinical outcomes. 

Company Market Share

Key players in the industry focus on adopting key business strategies, such as strategic collaborations, product approvals, acquisitions, and product launches, to gain a strong foothold in the market. Companies are also investing in research and development to introduce innovative ophthalmic viscosurgical devices with enhanced biocompatibility and improved surgical outcomes. Another key approach is expanding their geographical presence through partnerships and mergers with regional distributors.

Rayner Group: An emerging player in the market

Rayner Group, a prominent British manufacturer and distributor of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and ophthalmic treatments, has been expanding its portfolio to include ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs). The company is known for its innovative products used in cataract surgery and aims to provide high-quality OVDs that enhance surgical outcomes.

Recent developments by Rayner Group:

In January 2024, Rayner opened a regional office in Sydney, Australia, to directly manage the distribution of its products, including the planned launch of OVDs in the region. This expansion strengthens Rayner’s presence in the Asia-Pacific market, enabling closer collaboration with healthcare providers and improving access to its innovative ophthalmic solutions.

Recent Developments

• October 2024 –Scientists at Johns Hopkins University developed a new fluorescent hydrogel to improve cataract surgery. The gel, which remains clear during surgery, glows green under blue light, helping surgeons ensure complete removal. This innovation aims to reduce post-surgical complications like increased eye pressure and vision loss. The gel's components are already in clinical use, and researchers plan to test its safety in human trials. 

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global ophthalmic viscosurgical devices market is set for substantial growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of cataract and glaucoma surgeries, along with advancements in surgical techniques. The adoption of premium OVDs with enhanced biocompatibility and dual-OVD technology is further boosting demand.

However, challenges such as high product costs, complex regulatory approvals, and limited accessibility in developing nations remain barriers. Despite this, rising healthcare investments, technological advancements, and growing medical tourism in emerging markets are expected to propel sustained market expansion.