Electroretinography Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2031

The global electroretinography market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the rising prevalence of retinal disorders, the growing demand for early diagnosis, and the increase in the geriatric population.

The future of the global electroretinography market looks promising with opportunities in the clinical use and for research markets.

• The publisher forecasts that, within the type category, portable ERG is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, clinical use is expected to witness higher growth.
• In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.

Emerging Trends in the Electroretinography Market

The market for electroretinography is experiencing dynamic developments fueled by technological innovation and changing clinical demands in ophthalmology. A number of primary trends are redefining the future of ERG and its applications in diagnosing and managing retinal disorders.

• Handheld and Portable ERG Devices: The invention and growing use of handheld and portable ERG systems are revolutionizing where and how ERG testing can be conducted. The devices provide increased flexibility, allowing testing in various settings like primary care clinics, telemedicine websites, and even homes. This development enhances accessibility, minimizes the requirement for specialized clinical environments, and enables early detection and monitoring of retinal diseases in larger populations.
• Artificial Intelligence Integration: Integration of AI algorithms with ERG systems is becoming a major trend. AI can be used to aid in the automated analysis of intricate ERG waveforms, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. AI-based systems can assist in detecting subtle patterns characteristic of certain retinal diseases, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches. This trend can potentially decrease inter-observer variability and increase the clinical utility of ERG.
• Multifocal Electroretinography Innovations: Multifocal ERG, used to evaluate the local retinal function in a variety of points on the macula, continues to become more advanced. Developments in the recent past address increasing spatial resolution, reducing the time of the test, and instituting standardized methodology for ERG. This evolving trend gives the clinician informative topographic mapping of retinal function, absolutely essential in detecting and tracking macular disease like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
• Combined Imaging and Functional Testing: Increased interest is developing in combining ERG with other imaging retinal modalities, like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography. Merging structural and functional data offers a broader appreciation of retinal disease and health. Parallel or sequential implementation of these technologies enables correlation of anatomical change with functional impairment more accurately, resulting in more precise diagnosis and enhanced management of retinal disease.
• Construction of Non-Invasive and Patient-Friendly Methods: Work is in progress to construct newer non-invasive and patient-friendly ERG testing techniques. This involves electrode technologies, like the creation of comfortable, easy-to-use electrodes that do not involve corneal contact in every instance. Non-mydriatic ERG systems, which do not involve pupil dilation, are also increasing in popularity, enhancing patient comfort and ease, and rendering the test available for use in routine screenings.

These new trends are all coming together to collectively redefine the electroretinography market by making testing more patient-friendly, efficient, accurate, and accessible. The emphasis on portability, AI integration, advanced mfERG, combined imaging, and non-invasive methods points to a future where ERG is an even more central part of ophthalmic diagnostics and retinal disease management.

Recent Developments in the Electroretinography Market

The electroretinography market has seen several notable developments in recent years, driven by technological progress and a growing need for advanced diagnostic tools in ophthalmology. These developments are enhancing the capabilities of ERG and expanding its clinical applications.

• Development of Next-Generation Full-Field ERG Systems: Recent technological advances have enabled the creation of full-field ERG systems that feature more advanced signal processing, quicker acquisition time, and higher sensitivity. Such systems enable the detailed and more efficient evaluation of global retinal function, which contributes to the diagnosis and follow-up of more retinal dystrophies and systemic conditions that involve the retina. The increased diagnostic capability of these systems is enhancing clinical decision-making.
• Advanced Portable ERG Device Development and Commercialization: The market has seen the introduction of advanced portable and handheld ERG devices that provide similar diagnostic functionality to conventional benchtop systems. These devices are smaller, easier to use, and less expensive, making ERG testing more readily available in many clinical environments, such as primary care, mobile clinics, and telemedicine platforms. This portability increases the availability of ERG and enables earlier diagnosis.
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence for Automated Analysis: A significant development is the incorporation of AI algorithms into ERG software for automated analysis of waveforms. AI can assist in the objective interpretation of complex ERG data, reducing the potential for human error and improving the consistency and accuracy of diagnoses. This integration streamlines the workflow for ophthalmologists and enhances the clinical utility of ERG, particularly in high-volume settings.
• Developments in Multifocal ERG (mfERG) Technology: Multifocal ERG equipment has been upgraded in terms of spatial resolution and testing protocols. More recent mfERG equipment is able to deliver better maps of local retinal function, important for the diagnosis and management of macular disease. The aim of research is also to standardize mfERG protocols to allow better comparability of outcomes between different devices and clinical centers, enhancing its utility in clinical trials and longitudinal patient management.
• Creation of Combined ERG and Imaging Platforms: Certain companies are creating combined platforms that integrate ERG with other retinal imaging modalities such as OCT and fundus autofluorescence. These multimodal platforms enable simultaneous or sequential recording of functional and structural information, enabling a more complete evaluation of retinal health. This combined approach improves diagnostic confidence and allows for a better understanding of the structure-function relationship in retinal disease.

These major advances in future-generation full-field ERG, handheld devices, AI, advanced mfERG, and combined imaging platforms are having a major impact on the electroretinography market. They are resulting in more precise, streamlined, affordable, and complete retinal diagnosis, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes in ophthalmology.

Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Electroretinography Market

There are a number of strategic growth prospects for the electroretinography (ERG) market across different major applications in ophthalmology and related specialties. These are fueled by escalating appreciation of retinal function in disease and health, as well as by innovation in ERG technology.

• Early Diagnosis and Monitoring of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies (IRDs): ERG is important in the diagnosis and monitoring of IRDs, a collection of genetic diseases that lead to progressive vision loss. Opportunities for growth include the creation of more sensitive and specific ERG protocols and equipment for early detection of these diseases, as well as for monitoring the effectiveness of new gene therapies and other treatments designed to slow or stop disease progression.
• Evaluation of Retinal Function in Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of blindness globally. ERG may offer important information regarding the functional integrity of the retina in diabetic individuals even before structural alterations become apparent on imaging. Strategic opportunities for growth include the establishment of ERG protocols to identify early functional impairment in diabetic retinopathy and assess response to different treatment options, potentially facilitating the prevention of vision loss.
• Screening for Retinal Toxicity of Systemic Drugs: Some systemic medications can be toxic to the retina. ERG is available for monitoring retinal function in patients on these drugs to ensure early detection of retinal toxicity due to drugs and intervention before irreversible damage occurs. Growth areas include using ERG as a standard monitoring tool in the respective patient populations and formulating specific protocols for different drug-induced retinopathies.
• Assessment of Retinal Function in Glaucoma: Although glaucoma is thought of mainly as an optic nerve disease, more recent evidence indicates that retinal ganglion cell dysfunction may be an early feature in the disease process. ERG, especially pattern ERG (PERG), can evaluate the cells' function. Strategic opportunities for growth include additional studies of the use of ERG for the detection of early glaucoma and for monitoring disease progression, possibly in conjunction with more conventional diagnostic tests.
• Clinical Trials for New Ophthalmic Therapies: ERG is an essential tool in clinical trials for new drugs and therapies for diseases of the retina. It offers objective measurements of retinal function that can be employed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Future opportunities lie in creating standardized ERG protocols for various forms of clinical trials as well as utilizing sophisticated ERG methods to offer more sensitive endpoints for measuring treatment outcomes.

These strategic opportunities for growth in the early diagnosis and monitoring of IRDs, diabetic retinopathy assessment, drug-induced retinal toxicity monitoring, retinal function evaluation in glaucoma, and clinical trials for new treatments underscore the growing role of ERG in ophthalmology. Focusing on these applications, the ERG market continues to expand and make significant contributions to the treatment of diverse retinal disorders.

Electroretinography Market Driver and Challenges

The electroretinography market is influenced by a combination of technological, economic, and regulatory factors that act as both drivers and challenges to its growth and adoption in clinical practice and research.

The factors responsible for driving the electroretinography market include:

Growing Prevalence of Retinal Diseases: Growing prevalence of multiple retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and inherited retinal dystrophies, caused by aging global populations and the rising incidence of diabetes are a main impetus for the ERG market. Precise diagnosis and surveillance of such diseases necessitate functional tests like ERG, thereby creating more demand for ERG systems and services.

ERG Technology Advances: Ongoing advancements in ERG technology, such as creating more portable and easy-to-use devices, quicker testing procedures, and better software tools for analyzing data, are increasing the use of ERG and its clinical utility. Such advances improve the efficiency of ERG testing and increase its use across different clinical practices, fueling market expansion.

Increasing Consciousness of Functional Testing Importance: There is rising awareness among ophthalmologists and scientists of the pivotal role functional tests, such as ERG, play in the comprehension of retinal wellness and illness. Although structural imaging is informative, ERG sheds light on distinctive aspects of the electrical activity of the retina, preceding structural alterations in most diseases in many cases and leading to widespread use of ERG in the early diagnosis and monitoring.

Broadening the Applications of ERG in Clinical Studies: ERG is a critical tool for clinical trials for new therapies aimed at retinal diseases. ERG offers quantitative and objective assessments of retinal function, rendering it a priceless resource for measuring the effectiveness of new treatments. Increasing numbers of clinical trials conducted in ophthalmology are necessitating the need for advanced ERG systems as well as competence in analyzing ERG results.

Government Programs and Funding for Eye Care: Increased government programs and funding for vision research and eye care in various regions are contributing to the utilization of sophisticated diagnostic technologies such as ERG. Early detection and prevention of blindness programs frequently encompass functional testing, which is fueling the expansion of the ERG market.

Challenges in the electroretinography market are:

Equipment and Testing Costs: The cost of new ERG systems and the cost per test is a high upfront investment that can act as a deterrent to widespread use, especially in resource-poor environments. Achieving the clinical value of ERG and cost-effectiveness is an important balance for clinicians and health systems.

Complexity of Interpretation and Expertise Required: Specialized expertise and knowledge are needed to interpret ERG waveforms. The data complexity may pose a limitation for general ophthalmologists, and this might restrict the use of sophisticated ERG methods in a routine manner. Proper training and access to experts are essential for the optimal use of ERG.

Absence of Standardized Protocols in Various Systems: Though attempts are being made, there is no complete standardization of ERG testing protocols between various manufacturers and clinical centers. This may result in variability in outcomes and difficulty in comparing data between various studies or devices, making it difficult for the universal acceptance of some of the advanced ERG methods.

In conclusion, the electroretinography market is driven by increasing retinal disease incidence, technological developments, enhancing awareness of functional testing, wider use in research, and government backing for eye care. However, issues with equipment and test costs, interpretation complexity, and missing complete standardization must be overcome to maintain growth and spread in ERG use in ophthalmology.

List of Electroretinography 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, electroretinography companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base.

Some of the electroretinography companies profiled in this report include:

• LKC Technologies
• Diagnosys
• Electro-Diagnostic Imaging
• Diopsys
• Metrovision
• Roland-consult
• CSO Italia

Electroretinography Market by Segment

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

Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Fixed ERG
• Portable ERG

Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Clinical Use
• For Research

Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

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

Country Wise Outlook for the Electroretinography Market

Recent advances in the electroretinography industry indicate an international trend towards more advanced diagnostic equipment for retinal disease. ERG, a noninvasive procedure that records the electrical response of the retina to light stimulation, is essential for diagnosing a variety of ocular disorders. Technological progress is producing smaller, easier-to-use, and more precise ERG instruments. Regulatory environments and health infrastructure in leading countries such as the United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan are also shaping the adoption and development of ERG devices and methods. The following overview will discuss the developments and market situation in each of these significant nations.

• United States: The market for electroretinography in the United States is dominated by a strong emphasis on technological development and quality standards in diagnostics. Current developments involve the release of high-technology full-field ERG machines with increased sensitivity and quicker test protocols. Adoption of portable and handheld ERG devices is increasingly taking place, enabling point-of-care testing and greater accessibility. Research and development activities are focused on enhancing the diagnostic performance for early diagnosis of retinal degenerations and monitoring retinal function in clinical trials for new therapies. Reimbursement policies and the availability of well-established ophthalmology clinics favor the uptake of advanced ERG technologies.
• China: The Chinese electroretinography market is growing very quickly, fueled by the growing prevalence of eye diseases resulting from diabetes and aging, and increasing healthcare infrastructure. Recent trends witnessed include the growth of local players manufacturing relatively cheaper ERG systems, thus opening the technology to a wider population of patients. There is also increasing demand for telemedicine and remote diagnostics, which is driving the demand for portable and easy-to-use ERG devices. Government programs to enhance eye care and enhance screening programs are also driving market growth.
• Germany: Germany's electroretinography market is characterized by a high focus on high-quality diagnostic equipment and compliance with strict medical device regulations. Current advances involve the integration of ERG with other state-of-the-art imaging technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), in order to offer a more complete evaluation of retinal function and structure. Personalized ophthalmology is also becoming a trend, where ERG is employed in tracking disease progression and individualizing treatment plans. The established healthcare system and high concentration of ophthalmologists facilitate the extensive use of sophisticated ERG systems.
• India: India's electroretinography market is changing with growing awareness about retinal illnesses and an improving number of eye care practices. Recent trends comprise the incremental migration towards more advanced ERG instruments over simple flash ERG due to the urgency for precise diagnostics of complicated retinal disorders. Cost consciousness still plays a main role, as a result of which there's a demand for cost-effective and dependable ERG equipment. Teleophthalmology projects are also testing the use of handheld ERG machines to target underserved groups in rural regions.
• Japan: Japan's market for electroretinography is marked by an advanced level of technology and high emphasis on early diagnosis and management of retinal disorders in its elderly population. Advanced applications include broad adoption of multifocal ERG for high-resolution spatial mapping of the function of the retina and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the interpretation of ERG waveforms. Efforts are also being made to design non-mydriatic ERG systems for enhancing patient comfort and convenience. Established health systems and high healthcare costs favor the implementation of advanced ERG technologies.

Features of the Global Electroretinography Market

• Market Size Estimates: Electroretinography market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
• Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
• Segmentation Analysis: Electroretinography market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
• Regional Analysis: Electroretinography market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different types, applications, and regions for the electroretinography market.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the electroretinography market.

This report answers the following 11 key questions:

Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the electroretinography market by type (fixed ERG and portable ERG), application (clinical use and for research), 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?