Orthokeratology Lens Market

Market Overview

The global orthokeratology lens market size was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 5.0 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The rising prevalence of refractive defects, increased diagnosis of disorders such as hyperopia, Myopia, astigmatism, and others, and increased research and development activities by major players are the primary market drivers driving the orthokeratology lens market share.

Orthokeratology is a non-surgical procedure in which specially constructed contact lenses are used to realign the cornea's curvature to improve eyesight temporarily. These lenses, often worn overnight and removed in the morning, temporarily relieve disorders like Myopia (nearsightedness).

Advances in orthokeratology lenses, such as the launch of enhanced overnight ortho-K lenses, are augmented by increased FDA approval. An increase in the older population base and the adopting of digital screening will fuel the orthokeratology lens market growth throughout the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Myopia

Myopia, often known as nearsightedness, is becoming more common, driving the orthokeratology lens industry. Globally, Myopia is on the rise, particularly in urban areas and among younger populations. Factors such as excessive screen usage, decreased outdoor activities, and genetic predisposition are frequently linked to the illness. According to a study published in the journal "Ophthalmology" in 2016, experts predicted that by 2050, over half of the world's population (roughly 5 billion people) would be impacted by Myopia. According to World Health Organization (WHO) research, the prevalence of Myopia has been steadily growing, notably in East Asia. Myopia rates among school-aged youngsters, for example, have reached alarming levels in China's urban districts.

As myopia rates continue to climb, so will the demand for non-invasive alternatives such as orthokeratology lenses. Orthokeratology takes a proactive approach to myopia care by treating the condition's progression, particularly in younger people. As a result, these variables are projected to influence the Orthokeratology Lens market trend.

Market Restraints

Limited Effectiveness for High Degree of Myopia

Orthokeratology lenses help correct a wide range of Myopia. However, their efficacy diminishes for people with extremely high levels of nearsightedness. The level of corneal reshaping attainable with these lenses is frequently cited as a restriction. Parents and wearers must devote more time to ortho-k lens fitting and follow-ups. Even if no adverse events occur, regular aftercare visits (3-6 monthly) are still required to ensure the health of the eyes.

Myopia cannot be cured by ortho-k. The myopia reduction effect will progressively fade after lens usage is discontinued. This constraint emphasizes the necessity of patient selection and expectation management. Practitioners may need to advise clients with extreme Myopia of the potential limitations of orthokeratology and explore alternate vision correction methods, such as refractive surgery, which may be more appropriate for severe cases.

Market Opportunity

Technological Advancement in Lens Design

Continuous lens materials and design developments enhance orthokeratology lens comfort, safety, and efficacy. Technological advancements like custom-designed lenses enable more precise and tailored myopia management. Companies are investing in research to create orthokeratology lenses that may be tailored to a person's eye shape and prescription. This customization seeks to improve visual outcomes by optimizing the corneal reshaping procedure.

Furthermore, customizable designs and smart technology improve the lenses' efficiency and user experience. When patients realize the benefits of individualized and technologically advanced solutions, they may be more willing to choose orthokeratology for myopia management. Collaborations with research institutions and technology firms can help to integrate cutting-edge technologies into orthokeratology solutions. Furthermore, efficient communication of technology advances to eye care professionals and consumers is critical for market acceptance. 

Regional Analysis

The global orthokeratology lens market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global orthokeratology lens market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period. Some factors driving North American market growth include recent advancements in orthokeratology lenses, the launch of overnight ortho-K lenses, and flexibility and choice. Increased incidences of vision impairment, combined with increased use of orthokeratology lenses in the United States and Canada, are expected to provide many new job possibilities in the United States. Furthermore, the local presence of significant market participants in the United States, such as CooperVision, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Bausch & Lomb Inc., is expected to boost regional growth.

Furthermore, prominent US market participants such as Johnson & Johnson Vision, CooperVision, and Bausch & Lomb Inc. will likely grow their regional orthokeratology lens market share. For example, in April 2021, Johnson & Johnson Vision joined Menicon to address the growing number of pediatric cases of Myopia by combining their experience with the scope, research, and capabilities of J&J Vision. Menicon will create therapeutic contact lenses as part of the agreement, while J&J Vision will focus on expanding its product line.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.4% over the forecast period. The European orthokeratology lens market has the second-largest market share, owing to the region's aging population and demand for addressing optical disorders without surgery or traditional glasses. Furthermore, increased government attempts to provide access to high-quality treatment drive orthokeratology lens market demand in this area. The prevalence of ocular diseases such as Myopia and presbyopia is expected to increase the use of orthokeratology lenses among medical practitioners. Technological developments and increased CE-approved items are also predicted to drive regional growth. Furthermore, the German orthokeratology lens market had the biggest market share, while the UK had the quickest growth in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific orthokeratology lens market is expected to develop at the quickest CAGR during the projected period, owing to the increasing use of innovative products such as SEED and ProCornea and the region's growing senior population. Furthermore, increasing awareness of eye problems and the development and launch of major regional players are projected to boost market growth. For example, in December 2020, a Menicon Alpha Corporation subsidiary established ALPHA (WUXI) Co. Ltd, a local Chinese company, to expand the volume and sales of orthokeratology lenses in China. 

Furthermore, the increasing number of ophthalmic clinics and hospitals in Asian countries is predicted to increase demand for orthokeratology lenses over the forecast period. Furthermore, China's orthokeratology lens market had the biggest market share, while India's was the Asia-Pacific region's fastest-growing market.

Segmental Analysis

The global orthokeratology lens market is segmented based on Materials, application, and region.

Materials are further segmented into Silicone Acrylate, Fluorosilicone Acrylate, and Fluorocarbon Acrylate.

Silicone Acrylate holds the major market share. silicone acrylate allows more oxygen to reach the cornea. This is critical for maintaining eye health while wearing contact lenses for a lengthy period. In 2022, the silicone acrylate segment held the biggest share, accounting for approximately 50% of the Orthokeratology Lens Market revenue. Because silicone is so flexible, it is a preferred material for contact lenses. The high refractive index of fluoro acrylate, among other benefits, has driven the manufacturing of silicone acrylate lenses. As a result, the different advantages of silicone acrylate orthokeratology lenses are expected to drive the segment's expansion.

Fluorosilicone acrylate lenses frequently have higher oxygen permeability than conventional silicone acrylate lenses. This can benefit those requiring extended wear or having unique corneal health concerns. Fluorosilicone acrylate materials may be used in specialty or custom lenses for people with higher prescription strengths or unique corneal problems.

By application, the segment can be further bifurcated into Myopia and hyperopia.

Myopia led the market growth, Myopia, or nearsightedness, contact lenses are intended to improve the eyesight of those with difficulties seeing objects at a distance. Light enters the eye and concentrates in front of the retina, resulting in hazy distance vision. Contact lenses that treat Myopia use a variety of optical designs to transfer the focal point onto the retina, providing clear distance vision. During the research period, the increased prevalence of Myopia is expected to benefit the orthokeratology lens market. According to the journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, over 1.9 billion people, or nearly 27% of the world's population, have Myopia. Myopia can result in significant ocular morbidity and high healthcare expenses. Myopia is anticipated to become more common during the forecast period. 

Contact lenses for hyperopia, often known as farsightedness, are intended to alleviate trouble seeing items up close. When light enters the eye, it concentrates behind the retina, resulting in blurred near vision. Contact lenses for hyperopia modify the focus point and bring it onto the retina, allowing for clear, close vision.

Based on end-users, the market is sub-segmented into Hospitals, Ophthalmology Clinics.

Hospitals are the major end-users of the market. Hospitals, with their complete healthcare services, play an important role in eye care, including contact lens prescription and administration. In hospital settings, ophthalmologists and optometrists may provide contact lens services and other eye health services. Hospitals can handle many patient cases, from basic eye exams to more difficult instances involving medical problems affecting vision. Contact lenses can be prescribed as a treatment plan for various vision problems.

Ophthalmology clinics are specialist centers focused primarily on eye treatment. These clinics frequently employ ophthalmologists and medical professionals specializing in eye health and vision treatment.

Recent Developments

• November 2023- The American Medical Association awarded Bausch + Lomb a CPT Category 1 code for XIPERE® (Triamcinolone Acetonide Injectable Suspension).
• June 2023- ABB Optical Group was appointed as a licensed manufacturer and distributor of Euclid Vision Corporation's Ortho-K lenses. Given ABB's reach, this new collaboration will provide ECPs with broader access to Euclid's clinically proven Ortho-K contact lenses.