Persistent Epithelial Defect Management Global Market Report 2025

The persistent epithelial defect management market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $7.92 billion in 2024 to $9.29 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to increased research activities, a higher demand for hospitals, a rising prevalence of ocular surface disorders, a growing incidence of eye diseases, and an aging population.

The persistent epithelial defect management market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.35 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.9%. The projected growth in the forecast period is driven by increased partnerships and collaborations, greater awareness and education, a focus on value-based care, the rising prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and early intervention and management. Key trends include technological advancements, a growing demand for innovative treatment options, advanced treatment modalities, the availability of cutting-edge surgical tools and techniques, and the development of innovative drugs.

The growing prevalence of eye disorders is anticipated to drive the expansion of the persistent epithelial defect management market. Eye disorders encompass a wide range of medical conditions that impact the structure, function, or overall health of the eyes, leading to vision impairment, discomfort, or potential blindness. Factors such as aging populations, prolonged screen exposure, and environmental changes contribute to the rising prevalence of these conditions. Effective management of persistent epithelial defects is crucial for treating eye disorders, as it facilitates healing, reduces inflammation, and prevents complications such as infection or scarring. For example, in December 2024, the World Health Organization, a Switzerland-based intergovernmental organization, reported that the overall pooled prevalence of childhood myopia was 5.23% in 2023, with a notably higher rate among females (4.90%) compared to males (3.94%). As a result, the increasing occurrence of eye disorders is fueling the growth of the persistent epithelial defect management market.

The growing number of eye surgeries is also expected to boost the persistent epithelial defect management market. Eye surgeries involve medical procedures performed to correct vision problems, treat diseases, or repair injuries. This increase in surgical procedures is driven by the rising prevalence of eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors, alongside advancements in surgical techniques and the widespread adoption of minimally invasive procedures. Effective persistent epithelial defect management plays a vital role in eye surgeries by promoting corneal healing, reducing complications, and enhancing visual outcomes through targeted treatments that support epithelial regeneration. For instance, in 2023, the Eye Bank Association of America, a US-based transplant association, reported a 2.7% increase in domestic keratoplasty procedures, rising from 49,597 in 2022 to 50,925 in 2023. This growing trend in eye surgeries is contributing to the expansion of the persistent epithelial defect management market.

Leading companies in the persistent epithelial defect management market are focusing on innovative treatments such as secretome therapy to accelerate healing and enhance treatment outcomes. Secretome therapy involves using bioactive molecules secreted by cells, including proteins, lipids, and extracellular vesicles, to promote tissue repair, modulate immune responses, and treat various diseases. For example, in April 2023, Kala Pharmaceuticals Inc., a US-based biopharmaceutical company, received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for KPI-012, a human MSC-S therapy designed for persistent corneal epithelial defects. This therapy employs a multifactorial mechanism of action to address all underlying causes of persistent epithelial defects by facilitating corneal healing through bioactive molecules such as growth factors, protease inhibitors, and neurotrophic factors.

Major players in the persistent epithelial defect management market are AbbVie Inc., Novartis AG, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alcon Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Hoya Vision Care, Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Recordati Rare Diseases Inc., Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Lumenis Ltd., TissueTech Inc., Ocular Therapeutix Inc., Oculus Surgical Inc., Amber Ophthalmics Inc., Noveome Biotherapeutics Inc., OcuNexus Therapeutics Inc., Lux Bio Inc., Eyenovia Inc.

North America was the largest region in the persistent epithelial defect management market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in persistent epithelial defect management report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the persistent epithelial defect management market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Persistent Epithelial Defect (PED) Management encompasses medical strategies aimed at promoting corneal healing when the corneal epithelium fails to regenerate and close within two weeks despite standard treatment. This approach involves identifying and addressing underlying causes while utilizing therapeutic methods such as lubricating eye drops, autologous serum tears, amniotic membrane transplantation, bandage contact lenses, and biologic therapies. These interventions help facilitate epithelial healing and prevent complications such as corneal ulcers or perforation.

The primary disease categories in persistent epithelial defect management include epithelial or limbal conditions, inflammatory diseases, neurotrophic diseases, and other related conditions. Epithelial and limbal disorders impact the corneal epithelium and limbal stem cells, resulting in vision-threatening defects due to impaired corneal regeneration. Medications are distributed through various channels, including direct sales, online pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and hospitals. These drugs serve different end users, such as hospital or clinical laboratories, physician offices, reference laboratories, and other medical institutions.

The persistent epithelial defect management market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides persistent epithelial defect management market statistics, including the persistent epithelial defect management industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the persistent epithelial defect management market share, detailed persistent epithelial defect management market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the persistent epithelial defect management industry. This persistent epithelial defect management market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The persistent epithelial defect management market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as pharmacological treatments, amniotic membrane transplantation, bandage contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy procedures. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The persistent epithelial defect management market also includes sales of autologous serum eye drops, regenerative biologic eye drops, bandage contact lenses, and amniotic membrane grafts. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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