Japan Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Devices Market Expected to Reach $0.30 Billion by 2033

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Japan ophthalmic viscoelastic devices market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024–2033," The Japan ophthalmic viscoelastic devices market size was valued at $0.18 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $0.30 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2033. The cohesive OVD segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period.

Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs) serve as indispensable tools in various eye surgeries, including those addressing cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal transplants. These visco-surgical devices are of important for ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and preventing further vision impairment or loss. During surgeries, OVDs perform multifaceted roles such as safeguarding the delicate cornea, regulating intraocular pressure, facilitating the creation of deep anterior spaces, and enhancing surgical precision. OVDs enable surgeons to execute procedures with greater accuracy and safety by providing a protective cushioning effect and facilitating tissue manipulation. Their significance lies in their ability to support intricate surgical maneuvers, minimize tissue trauma, and promote swift post-operative recovery, enhancing patients' visual outcomes and quality of life.

The growth of the Japan ophthalmic viscoelastic device (OVD) market is driven by rise in prevalence of eye diseases necessitating surgical interventions. For instance, an article by the National Institutes of Health in November 2022 reported that the prevalence of glaucoma in Japan is approximately 8%, due to the aging population. In addition, non-ocular factors such as lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and diabetes for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) increase the risk of glaucoma in the general Japanese population. This surge in number of cases of glaucoma and other eye conditions requiring surgery significantly boosts the demand for OVDs. As these devices are crucial in protecting ocular tissues and enhancing surgical outcomes, their market is expanding in response to the growing need for effective eye disease management and treatment options in Japan.

In addition, the key players have adopted strategies such as sales partner alliance with companies in Japan to expand its products commercialization. For instance, Seikagaku Corporation, a pioneer of glycoscience has alliance with Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd for the sales of OPEGAN series of Ophthalmic viscoelastic device. Thus, such initiatives are potentially contributing to market growth. 

The Japan ophthalmic Viscoelastic devices market is segmented into product, application, and end user. On the basis of product, it is bifurcated into cohesive OVD and dispersive OVD. The cohesive OVD segment dominated the market share in 2023. This is attributed to its effectiveness in creating and maintaining space within the eye during surgery. Its ease of removal and superior ability to facilitate precise surgical maneuvers make it highly preferred by ophthalmologists. This preference, combined with its widespread use in cataract surgeries, significantly contributed to its market dominance.

However, dispersive OVD segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to its superior ability to protect ocular tissues during surgery, particularly the corneal endothelium. Its widespread adoption in complex procedures and increase in its preference among ophthalmologists for enhanced surgical outcomes drive this growth.

On the basis of application, the market is divided into cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, corneal transplant, and vitreoretinal surgery. The cataract surgery segment dominated the market share in 2023, owing to the high prevalence of cataracts, increased early diagnoses, and advancements in surgical techniques. In addition, the widespread adoption of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices in cataract surgeries enhances procedural outcomes, driving the segment's market dominance.

However, the glaucoma surgery segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increasing prevalence of glaucoma, advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques, and a growing aging population. In addition, enhanced awareness and early diagnosis of glaucoma drive demand for effective treatments. Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices play a crucial role in improving surgical outcomes, making them highly sought after in glaucoma procedures, thereby boosting market growth.

On the basis of end user, it is classified into hospitals, ophthalmic clinics, and others. The hospitals segment dominated the market in 2023. Hospitals typically have well-equipped operating rooms, experienced surgical teams, and advanced diagnostic facilities, making them the preferred choice for ophthalmic surgeries. In addition, hospitals often have established relationships with device suppliers, ensuring easy access to a wide range of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices.

However, ophthalmic clinics segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. These clinics offer specialized eye care services, including diagnostics, consultations, and surgeries, attracting a large number of patients seeking comprehensive eye care. In addition, advancements in product have made it feasible to perform various eye procedures in outpatient settings, increasing the demand for ophthalmic viscoelastic devices and driving growth in this segment.

Key Findings of the Study

• On the basis of product, the cohesive OVD segment dominated the market share in 2023. However, dispersive OVD segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. 
• On the basis of application, the cataract surgery segment dominated the market share in 2023. However, glaucoma surgery segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. 
• On the basis of end user, the hospitals segment dominated the market share in 2023. However, ophthalmic clinics segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.