Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2031

The global ophthalmic viscoelastic device market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, the rising number of cataract surgeries, and the growing advancements in ophthalmic surgical procedures.

The future of the global ophthalmic viscoelastic device market looks promising with opportunities in the hospital & clinic and ambulatory care center markets.

• Within the type category, cohesive OVD is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, hospital & clinic is expected to witness higher growth.
• In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to the growing healthcare infrastructure in this region.

Emerging Trends in the Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Market

The ophthalmic viscoelastic device market is undergoing shifts due to multiple emerging trends which directly influence product innovation, clinical practice adoption, and the overall usage rate in clinics. These emerging trends are led by technological innovations, heightened surgical precision along with greater patient satisfaction, and the ever-growing ocular disease burden around the world. Here are viscoelastic devices market trends.

• Advanced Materials for Viscoelastic Devices: The integration of new materials to broaden biocompatibility has also become a critical focus in the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market. In recent years, there has been increased use of materials that improve control of viscosity, greater biocompatibility, and safety during surgery. The introduction of cross-linked hyaluronic acid and other novel materials is optimizing the performance of these devices. Enhanced device performance is associated with decreased complication risks during surgery. Hence, this trend improves recovery times and overall patient outcomes and increases the demand for advanced viscoelastic devices.
• Non Invasive Surgeries: The rise in popularity of minimally invasive surgeries stems from their reduced complications and recovery times for patients. In the ophthalmic sector, less invasive procedures are being developed and viscoelastic devices are being made to assist these procedures. There is a great demand for devices that offer better precision and stability in maintaining intraocular pressure, particularly for cataract and glaucoma surgeries. The surge in demand for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIST) techniques will certainly continue driving innovation in viscoelastic devices for safer and effective surgical procedures.
• Surge in Demand for Cataract Surgeries: With the increase in population worldwide, there is a growing demand for cataract surgeries, which in turn, is accelerating the growth of the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market. During cataract surgery, viscos-elastic devices are used to hold the eye in place to prevent complications. Mounting incidence of cataract surgeries, particularly in developed and emerging economies is further driving the market. The trend of an aging population in north America, Europe and Asia will continue to strengthen the demand for these devices.
• Greater Emphasis on Product Safety and Biocompatibility: The safety of patients remains paramount in the medical devices industry and is even more pronounced where surgeries of the eye are concerned. Vicar has ventured into the optimization of safety and biocompatibility of viscoelastic devices or its subclass to make them less irritating and more absorbable. Increasingly, less harmful formulations Microsurgery are being refined that are more bioabsorbable so as to enhance patient experience. Biocompatibility continues to be a clincher even as the market progresses and deepens.
• Use of AI and Automation in Ophthalmology on the Rise: Incorporation of AI (Artificial Intelligence) as well as automation in electronics in medicine has been witnessed in the area of ophthalmology especially in design and implementation of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices. AI is taking over many critical procedures, and its incorporation in surgery planning as well as monitoring during procedures is boosting precision. Automated delivery systems are also becoming popular for use in control of viscoelastic which promotes the dependability of the outcomes and reduces the chances of human mistakes. This combination of AI along with automation will most likely change the dynamics of how surgeries are conducted towards improved efficiency and accuracy.

These shifts are having an impact on the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market by encouraging new innovations, enhancing patient safety and outcomes, and addressing the increasing volume of requests for minimally invasive surgeries. The current market is shifting at a rapid pace, and these shifts are bound to retain their influence on the trend growth and development.

Recent Developments in the Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Market

Changes in the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market reflect the changes in technology, innovations, and the growing need for efficient and safer products for surgeries. Here are five major changes in the device.

• Launch of Novel Viscoelastic Formulations: One of the major changes for the better in the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market is the new novel viscoelastic formulations which offer increased performance at intraocular surgeries. These new products are designed to achieve the best control of intraocular pressure and best protection of tissues during cataract and glaucoma surgeries. Such inventions are aimed at reducing the risk of complications, the time to recover and improve the patient outcomes clinically.
• More Use of Biodegradable Implants: There is a growing interest in the design and use of biodegradable ophthalmic viscoelastic devices. These devices are gradually absorbed by the eye tissues, thus alleviating the need for secondary surgical procedures. The concern over healthcare costs associated with corrective surgical procedures driven by post-surgical complications has reinforced the use of biodegradable materials, especially for ophthalmic devices considering patient safety as well.
• Use of Digital Technology for Supervision: The development of new digital technologies helps improve supervision and control during operations in the field of ophthalmic surgery. Some of the new devices incorporate monitoring and sensor systems that are capable of tracking the pressure and the stability of the eye during the operation. This helps in the accomplishment of better clinical outcomes in regards to decision-making, accuracy, and minimizing complications during intricate surgical processes like cataract removal and glaucoma surgery.
• Optimized Devices Viscoelastic Packaging and Storage Systems: With the advancements in ophthalmic surgeries, packaging and storage systems for viscoelastic devices are designed to retain product quality. Newer strategies in packaging guarantee that viscoelastic materials are maintained unutilized until surgery, greatly improving the performance of the devices. The innovation in the storage and handling techniques of these devices guarantees that the devices are safe for use and easier to transport to the healthcare facilities.
• Increasing Demand in Developing Countries: The standards of healthcare in the developing economies such as India, China, and Brazil is increasing which also increases the demand for ophthalmic viscoelastic devices. There is a greater concentration among the manufacturers to employ strategies that concentrate on these areas by subsidizing their products. The private sector medical centers and the medical tourism boom in these nations are the primary stimulators for the advancement of technologies in ophthalmology.

The recent changes described above illustrate the continuous growth of innovation in the market of viscoelastic devices for ophthalmic surgery which strive to address the demand of advanced and safer surgery solutions.

Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Market

The increasing demand for ophthalmic surgeries, technological advancements, and escalating eye disease prevalence are major drivers for ophthalmic viscoelastic device applications. This opens up several growth opportunities for the viscoelastic device market. Given below are 5 opportunities within the market.

• Cataract Surgery: The continuously increasing demand for ophthalmic viscoelastic devices by the geriatric population drives cataract surgery as a business opportunity. With viscoelastic devices necessary for maintaining intraocular pressure during the procedure, the essential nature of these devices increases with the frequent global inclination towards cataract surgeries. There is an opportunity to enhance product manufacture efficiency and patient outcomes by developing biocompatible products which reduce surgical time.
• Glaucoma Treatment: The ever-increasing numbers of glaucoma patients is a great opportunity for viscoelastic device manufacturers. The surgery’s complications with eye shape and intraocular pressure are maintained properly by viscoelastic devices, therefore these devices have a vital role in glaucoma surgeries. There is an opportunity to cater to the aging populations with glaucoma by special device interventions to enhance surgical results.
• Pediatric Ophthalmic Care: The care that encompasses treatment of congenital cataracts and other eye conditions in children is still in the developmental stages of pediatric ophthalmic care. Devices with viscoelastic properties used in pediatric surgeries have to be tailored to specific needs for safety and efficacy. Due to the rising concentration regarding eye care in the pediatric population, manufacturers are in a position to design specific devices to aid the pediatric population.
• Ocular Trauma Treatment: Ocular trauma from accidents and injuries also known as ocular trauma is an additional area of interest ophthalmic viscoelastic devices can further exploit. In trauma surgeries, viscoelastic devices are applied to the eye so as to cover it or protect it while supporting the eye structure. With increasing rates of ocular trauma in certain regions, there is a greater need for specialized viscoelastic materials made for this particular type of surgery.
• Emerging Markets: Opportunities to exploit viscoelastic devices for ophthalmic use can be found in developing regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. These areas are undergoing an improvement in ophthalmic healthcare infrastructure, increased per capita income, and heightened awareness of eye diseases among the population. By lowering the cost and maintaining quality, manufacturers can capture these markets as they address the requirements of the population and broaden access to sophisticated ophthalmic procedures.

These opportunities for growth portray a sharp perspective for the market of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices, as the growth of technology, demand for specialized treatment, and the developing economies offer great potential both in developed and underdeveloped nations.

Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Market Drivers and Challenges

The market for ophthalmic viscoelastic devices faces a number of forces and struggles. Important technologic, economic, and state policy changes are influencing the market. Taking all these issues into account is vital for the stakeholders so as not to lose themselves in the maze the market poses.

The factors responsible for driving the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market include:

• Growth in the Elderly Population: The increase elderly worldwide population is an important force driving the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market. There is higher consumption of ophthalmic surgeries due to cataracts, glaucoma and other age allied eye disorders becoming more common. There is rising elderly population which means there is greater need for effective and safes devices surgical, including viscoelastic materials, and these gadgets will continue to soar.
• Development of Techniques In Ophthalmic Surgery: Ophthalmic surgery has got more advanced with the liked of cataract and glaucoma surgery to their respective specialized viscoelastic, becoming less intrusive. Considering how vital these devices are for the eye's stability during surgery, demand for these devices will soared further. Therefore with the level of improvement in surgical techniques, demand for quality viscoelastic devices increases.
• Increasing Incidence of Eye Diseases: The growing prevalence of cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are increasing the demand for surgical procedures. In turn, this increases the use of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices that are associated with these surgeries. The demand for these devices is increasing globally due to the prevalence of these diseases amongst older people.
• Market Growth and Innovations: Innovations in viscoelastic formulations, such as the creation of new biodegradable and biocompatible materials, are driving market growth. New materials with improved surgical outcomes are gaining acceptance from patients and surgeons. Continued product improvements will enhance expansion of the market.
• Rising Economy and Healthcare Access: The emerging economies that have improved access to healthcare services are driving growth of the market. Better infrastructure along with enhanced awareness of eye care leads to increased demand for ophthalmic surgeries and devices. These advancements provide greater access to sophisticated viscoelastic products to a larger population of patients.

Challenges in the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market are:

• Greater Expenses for New Technologies: The emerging economies which struggle with healthcare affordability are particularly sensitive to the price of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices. With some patients being unable to afford them priced so highly, patients and developing areas suffer. The demand is present but simultaneously nowhere close enough developing to be successfully targeted, leaving room for innovation without suffering the consequences of high manufacturing cost.
• Marketing Processes: Even though the ophthalmic medical industry is relatively new, it already has an astonishing range of regulations which can cause major difficulties on the very first contacts with the complex rules of licensing page in different markets. Stricter policies such as those from FDA branch or European Medicines Agency have a tendency to slow down the growth of their business through limiting new product introduction, thereby impacting industry advancement.
• Weak Understanding in Growing Poor Countries: Even though the healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies is great, the lack of public education regarding ophthalmology can significantly help ineffective healthcare spending. The population needs to be made aware that conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma require surgery and can make use of devices controlled by specialized healthcare, leading to a sustainable demand growth for the devices and surgeries.

In summary, the factors such as new technology and a growing older population are creating opportunities for the growth of the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market. At the same time, some issues such as costly treatment options, regulatory challenges, and gaps in public knowledge in some areas need to be resolved for a beneficial future and optimal patient accessibility.

List of Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies ophthalmic viscoelastic device companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base.

Some of the ophthalmic viscoelastic device companies profiled in this report include:

• Abbott Laboratories
• ZEISS Medical
• Bohus BioTech
• Lifecore Biomedical
• Rayner

Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Market by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the global ophthalmic viscoelastic device market by type, application, and region.

Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Cohesive OVDs
• Dispersive OVDs

Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Ambulatory Care Center
• Others

Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World

Country-Wise Outlook for the Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Market

There has been a rapid growth in the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market with newer technology in surgical methods, specifically in the areas of cataract and glaucoma surgeries. Maintenance of intraocular pressure and prevention of tissue damage during eye surgeries are two main objectives of these devices. Manufacturers are continuously striving to improve the effectiveness, safety, and outcomes of their products, owing to the growing global demand for ophthalmic surgeries. The market is expanding in the US, Germany, India, China and Japan because of the rising population, increasing access to healthcare technologies, and the prevalence of eye diseases.

• United States: There is growth in the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market in the United States owing to the increasing cataract and eye degeneration along with the aging population. With the development of more cohesive and biocompatible materials, newer formulations have adjusted to increasing safety and efficiency in surgery. Major players such as Alcon and Johnson & Johnson are coming out with new formulations that enhance control during cataract surgeries and improve recovery times. There is also a significant increase in the demand for minimally invasive surgeries, contributing to the expansion of this market.
• China: China is seeing rapid growth in the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market because of increasing eye diseases due to urbanization and changing lifestyle patterns. Furthermore, advanced healthcare systems and a greater number of cataract surgeries are increasing the use of advanced viscoelastic devices. The demand for quality ophthalmic care is being catered to by both international and local investors like Rayner and Ciba Vision, who have increased their market investments. Additionally, government efforts to improve healthcare facilities in the country are increasing the growth of the market.
• Germany: Germany is one of the largest markets in Europe for viscoelastic devices, specializing in premium product and high precision surgery. The demand for healthcare services and cataract surgery services in the country is supported by its largely developed healthcare system, fostering market growth. Operating in the country, Bausch and Lomb and Carl Zeiss Mediatic are marketing more effective proprietary devices, including new and better viscoelastic devices. Increased adoption of sophisticated technologies by Germany’s skilled medical practitioners drives the need for advanced ophthalmic devices.
• India: In India, the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market is poised to grow with the increasing aging population as well as eye health awareness. Increased disposable incomes coupled with private healthcare facilities are driving people to seek cataract surgeries and other ophthalmic procedures. Companies are striving to improve patient outcome while offering these devices at lower prices. With greater government support for eye care, advanced innovations in viscoelastic materials will propel the market growth.
• Japan: The market for ophthalmic viscoelastic devices is increasing in Japan due to the geriatric population. The increased demand for cataract surgeries and other ophthalmic procedures boost device usage. High sophistication in the country’s healthcare system along with a focus on advanced medical products increases the use of complex viscoelastic devices in eye surgeries. Surgical outcome and recovery time innovations are advanced by Santen Pharmaceutical and Kowa. Japan’s precision demand in ophthalmic procedures further strengthens market growth.

Features of this Global Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Market Report

• Market Size Estimates: Ophthalmic viscoelastic device market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
• Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
• Segmentation Analysis: Ophthalmic viscoelastic device market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
• Regional Analysis: Ophthalmic viscoelastic device market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type, application, and regions for the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market.
• Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.

This report answers the following 11 key questions:

Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the ophthalmic viscoelastic device market by type (cohesive OVDs and dispersive OVDs), application (hospitals & clinics, ambulatory care center, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?