Tonometer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Direct, Indirect), By Technology (Applanation Tonometry, Indentation Tonometry, Rebound Tonometry, Others), By Portability (Handheld, Desktop), By End-User (Hospitals, Ophthalmic Centers) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2023-2031

Market Overview

The global tonometer market size was valued at USD 345.32 million in 2022 and is valued at USD 396.34 million in 2023. It is expected to generate USD 545.09 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The growth of the Global Tonometer Market is primarily driven by the increment in glaucoma cases. The cases of geriatric and diabetes patients are expeditiously increasing; this could result in the increased usage of the tonometer. Additionally, the BrightFocus Foundation fact sheet revealed that almost 80 million people suffer from glaucoma globally. The number is also projected to grow over to 111 million by 2040; thus, with the number increasing in glaucoma cases, it drives the tonometer market across the globe for measuring intraocular pressure. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension and the continuous advancements in healthcare technology that have led to the development of more accurate and user-friendly tonometers.

Tonometry is a test used to screen glaucoma. Through tonometry, the pressure inside the eyes could be measured. It is also used to measure how effectively the glaucoma treatment is working. Glaucoma is a severe health issue faced by most populations; it could lead to complete vision loss if not treated at the right time. In most cases of glaucoma, the fluid that keeps the eye nourished drains too slowly and causes pressure to build up. If the disease is not treated at the right time, it can harm the eye's optic nerve and lead to vision loss.

Market Dynamics

Global Tonometer Market Drivers

• Increased Occurrence of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is of the most commonly found diseases across the globe, resulting in vision loss. With regular and early diagnosis glaucoma could be easily managed. The report of BrightFocus Foundation revealed that the number of glaucoma cases will rise to 111 million by 2040. The overall incidence rate of glaucoma cases in the United States was 5.9 per 1000 population, based on a research study in 2019. This gives rise to the use of a tonometer for checking the disease. With age, the chances of glaucoma rise significantly, driving the tonometer market further. 

• Growth in the Population of Geriatric and Diabetic Patients

The life expectancy of the population has hiked up in the past years resulting in an increased number of elderly populations. The reason for rising in the life expectancy of people is a result of a shift in the cause of death from acute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, hypertension, and others. Based on the report published by United Nations World Ageing, it was revealed that by 2050 the population aged 65 years and above would rise to 1.5 billion. Such growth in the population and incidence of geriatric and other chronic diseases will significantly push the growth of the global market.

Most developing and developed countries have prosperous food sectors, which raises the consumption of unhealthy and sugary contained food by the population, leading to increased chances of diabetes, heart problems, high cholesterol, and blood pressure. This will directly impact the other body parts and mostly the eye, leading to several eye problems. Such factors push the demand for a tonometer for the measurement of eye pressure.

With the rise in the elderly population and dysfunctional food habits of the population, the number of people suffering from ophthalmic issues such as glaucoma and other chronic diseases will also increase, which will likely increase the demand for tonometer devices over the years.

• Increased Number of Eye Checkup Camps and Glaucoma Awareness Programs

Early awareness and detection of ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma and other chronic diseases resulting in eye problems could essentially prevent vision loss and blindness. With regular eye health examinations, the symptoms of the diseases could be detected. The early stages of glaucoma show no specific symptoms or signs. Therefore, spreading awareness about the disease could play an important part in the prevention of the disease; periodic eye checkups and preventive methods against sight loss elevate the global tonometer market.

Various nations work towards spreading knowledge and increasing awareness about the disease. In 2020, the United States started the 'Prevent Blindness' program to help save the population from glaucoma. In the United Kingdom, the Glaucoma UK planned glaucoma awareness week in 2021, aiming to make the people more aware of the threat of the disease. 

Such initiatives taken by the organization of prominent countries push the people to become more aware of the disease and attempt periodical eye health checkups, boosting the tonometer market. 

Global Tonometer Market Restraints

• High Risk of Infection Pertaining to Contact Tonometer and the Lack of Accuracy in Non-Contact Tonometer

The process of tonometry involves the application of a topical anesthetic to the surface of the eye. After the application of the anesthetic, the head of the tonometer comes into direct contact with the patient’s eye the measure intraocular pressure. Such direct contact of the eye with the tonometer head contributes to the chances of cross-infection. The risk of spreading the viral particles from one patient to another prohibits the patients from using the tonometer device. Diseases such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus, and other transmissible diseases could be spread through direct contact with the eye. The risk of transmission of the diseases acts as a major restrain for the tonometer market growth.

The non-contact tonometer does not provide accurate results and is limited by an abnormal cornea or poor fixation, limiting its usage.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa.

North America and Europe dominate the tonometer market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to witness a growth in its revenue share, reaching the value of USD 203 million at a CAGR of 6% during 2031. The region has countries like the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which generate maximum revenue in terms of the tonometer market. The tonometer market in the U.S. is rising owing to the increased number of glaucoma cases. The presence of key players, the high prevalence of ophthalmology disorders, and established healthcare centers drive the tonometer market in the region. Canada is also pushing its ophthalmology centers to increase the treatment and cure owing to the rapid increase in the geriatric population in the country. These factors push the market of tonometer to prosper in the region.

The second region with the largest market share in Europe, with USD 98 million in 2022, the market is expected to rise to USD 129 million at a CAGR of 5% during 2030. The European countries are the home to major global companies that work towards the development of products related to the prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising geriatric population. This drives the tonometer market in the region. The incidence of chronic diseases and the geriatric population drive the demand for tonometer devices.

Segmental Analysis

The global tonometer market share is segmented based on technology, end-users, type, portability, and region. 

• On the Basis of Technology

Based on the segmentation by technology, the market is bifurcated as applanation tonometry, indentation tonometry, rebound tonometry, and other technologies.

Applanation tonometry technology had the largest share in the market in 2022 with USD 156 million, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% and reach USD 240 million by 2031.

With the technology of applanation tonometry, the patient's eye fluid pressure is checked. The test measures the amount of force that is required for flattening a part of the cornea. This technology is commonly used in the diagnosis of glaucoma.

With the rise in the number of glaucoma patients across nations, the use of the applanation tonometry technology will also rise significantly. The major advantage of applanation technology is its universal usage in the standard clinical method of IOP assessment. The technology is easy to use from the technician's perspective and is widely accepted by the patients. This drives the segment for applanation tonometry technology.

Next to applanation tonometry is rebound tonometry, which had a revenue share of USD 78 million in 2022. It is expected to rise to USD 145 million at a CAGR of 8% during 2031. This is a popular choice in the pediatric ophthalmology industry. Since the technology is portable, low in cost as compared to others is easy to use, and for the checking of IOP among children, it does not use topical anesthetics. It drives the usage of rebound tonometry in the market.

• On the Basis of Portability

Based on portability, the market is segmented into handheld and desktop.

Handheld had a share of USD 145 million in 2022, which is expected to grow to USD 354 million at a CAGR of 7% by 2031. These are used in facilities that have a larger of patients visiting. They are easy to use, gives accurate results, and are portable, resulting in their increased usage in the IOP screening. The demand for handheld tonometers is increasing owing to their facilitation for better centralization and perpendicularity, allowing for easy visualization of the cornea.

Desktop tonometer is anticipated to have a valuation of USD 189 million at a CAGR of 4%. Desktop tonometers are widely used in large hospitals and ophthalmology clinics. They provide an accurate reading of the patients, increasing the demand in the tonometers market.

• On the Basis of End-User Vertical

Based on the end-user vertical, the market is segmented into hospitals and ophthalmic centers. Ophthalmic centers are major users of tonometer, as they are exclusively engaged in the study and treatment of eye-related health issues. The market share of ophthalmic centers will rise from USD 234 million in 2022 to USD 356 million at a CAGR of 6% by 2031. Ophthalmic centers operate on a large and small scale; therefore, the demand for equipment varies from that of hospitals. Although the small-scale ophthalmic centers do not have bulk tonometer equipment, they are generally of high value, contributing to the growth of the tonometer device in ophthalmic centers. With the increase in the number of eye-related issues among people, it will result in an incremented number of patients in the ophthalmic centers providing it more growth scope.

Hospitals are expected to have a share of USD 201 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 5%. Hospitals can either have a separate ophthalmic clinic for check-ups or a general department for eye treatment, leading to the bulk purchase of tonometer devices for conducting tests. This results in the growth of the hospital segment in the tonometer market.

Impact of covid-19

As per the WHO, the number of reported COVID-19 cases jumped from 87,137 on March 01, 2020, to 102,083,344 as of February 01, 2021, with approximately 2,209,195 deaths globally. The rapid rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally resulted in the governments of various countries resorting to stringent containment measures to slow down the spread of the pandemic. However, complete lockdowns across countries also resulted in a short-term decline in the GDPs of their respective economies.

The COVID-19 pandemic had e a dual effect on the electronics industry, wherein the manufacturing of electronics components was halted due to lockdowns imposed in various countries, coupled with slower logistical processes and supply interruptions. Furthermore, the unavailability of labor globally has also contributed negatively to the manufacturing of electronic components.

The discontinuation in the delivery of electronics products by e-commerce companies during the lockdown, as they were considered non-essentials, negatively impacted the electronics industry. However, increased demand for laptops, computers, and mobile phones due to work-from-home situations positively affected the electronics industry.

The Chinese economy was hit tremendously as it was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the supply chain for major electronic brands. As China is the major exporter and manufacturer of raw materials required to produce electronic products, this has led to the halting of the ongoing production of electronics in the U.S. and Europe, thereby creating a demand-supply gap.

Recent Developments

• In April 2022, Zeiss Meditec AG announced the launch of QUATERA 700 which will allow surgeons to digitally integrate cataract workflow for efficiency without compromise
• In 2021, Reichert Technologies unveiled the Tono-Vera Vet tonometer in North America.
• In 2021, Nidek Co. Ltd launched B-scan denoising software to enhance OCT retinal image quality.
• In 2022, Canon Medical Systems Corporation launched new and advanced productivity 1.5T MRI system to accelerate the workflows.