Diabetic Retinopathy Market

The global Diabetic Retinopathy Market is valued at USD 9.1 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 15.1 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 6.5% between 2025 and 2035.

Globally, Diabetes is a serious and growing problem, where the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin results in increased blood glucose levels. One of the major complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which results from damage to the retinas blood vessels. This condition often causes vision loss and blurred vision, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The rising prevalence of diabetes, coupled with the aging global population and the associated increase in blindness caused by diabetes, are key factors expected to drive market growth.

Key Highlights

• In 2024, based on the Type, the Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) category accounted for significant market share of 71.40%
• Based on the Management, the Anti-VEGF category accounted for significant market share of 91.30% in 2024
• In 2024, by Distribution Channel, Hospitals and Pharmacies dominated the market with significant market share.
• North America dominated the market with 39.40% market share in 2024
• Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Type Overview

The type segment is divided into Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, Non-Proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) segment held the dominant share in 2024, accounting for significant market share of 71.40%.

The primary causes of the high incidence are the aging population and the increase in diabetes-related blindness. One of the primary causes of adult blindness is background retinopathy, or NPDR, a common diabetes eye condition. It typically varies from moderate to moderate, ultimately leading to severe eye disorders. Microaneurysms, which are tiny, blood-filled bulges in wall arteries that seep into the retina, are the main feature of NPDR. Non-proliferative retinopathy does not pose a threat to vision, but it can cause diabetic macular edema, or swelling in the macula, which can cause blindness. The probability of developing vision-threatening proliferative diabetic retinopathy also increases as NPDR severity increases.

The increased risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in diabetic eye disease, which increases the need for surgery, is the cause for its expansion. Diabetic retinopathy can progress to more severe forms of the condition known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. As injured vessels shut down, this sort of damage induces new, abnormal blood vessels to develop in the retina. The center of the eye is filled with vitreous humor, a translucent, jelly-like substance, yet these nascent blood vessels are fragile and prone to rupture. A buildup could cause glaucoma through harming the optic nerve, which transmits images from your eye to your brain.

Management Overview

The management segment is divided into vitrectomy, anti-VEGF, intracular Steroid, and laser Surgery. The anti-VEGF segment held the dominant share in 2024, accounting for significant market share of 91.30%.

The anti-VEGF segment drives the growth by efficiency and efficacy of Anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF drugs are frequently prescribed to treat PDR. It was discovered that anti-VEGF drugs were more effective in PDR, particularly in cases including vitreous hemorrhage, neovascular glaucoma, and prior to vitrectomy. For the purpose of to prevent the development of weak blood vessels and reduce the occurrence of retinopathy, anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the eye.

The vitrectomy segment is expected to witness substantial growth in the market during the forecast period. The vitrectomy surgery includes vitreoretinal surgery. When treating abnormalities with the retina, macula, and vitreous fluid of the eye, this phrase describes a range of surgical treatments. This type of surgery involves eliminating and replacing the vitreous humor, a gel-like fluid that exists in the eye. Due to advanced diabetic retinopathy treatment, this aids in the removal of any blood and scar tissue that may be present.

Distribution Channel Overview

The distribution channel segment is divided into hospitals and pharmacies, ambulatory surgical centers, and eye clinics. The hospitals and pharmacies segment held the dominant share in 2024, accounting for significant market share.

The growth of the hospital and pharmacies segment is attributed to the increasing prevalence of surgical procedures in the hospitals. The growing number of skilled professionals available for the treatment. Additionally, hospitals have funding by the government and the public health sector, even though they can afford the newest, most sophisticated medical devices to treat illnesses and receive the right care from trained professionals. The segments growth is driven by the increasing use of hospitals for the effective treatment of illnesses.

The ambulatory surgical centers segment is expected to grow in the market during the forecast period. Although outpatient ophthalmic procedures are cheaper than inpatient ones, and more of surgeries are getting performed, which contributes to the segments rise. Consequently, these factors are largely responsible for the segments increased demand.

Regional Overview

In 2024, the North America captured 39.40% of the revenue share.

North America Diabetic Retinopathy market is driven by well-developed healthcare infrastructure and higher technological adoption. Novel products, such as anti-VEGF drugs, including Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea, is one of the major factors for significant market share of North America. High expenditure on healthcare, increased awareness of diabetes, favorable reimbursement frameworks and the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure further fuels the market growth.

The U.S. {Keyword}} market, valued at USD 1.16 Billion in 2024 to USD 2.36 Billion in 2035, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2025 to 2035. The U.S. market is driven by widespread production and distribution of diabetic retinopathy devices and products worldwide. The government of the U.S. strategies and policies for the growth of the market, due to well-established infrastructure, the demand for diabetic retinopathy is supposed to increase all around the regions. The common factor of diabetic retinopathy in the United States is a significant concern, with it being the primary cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20 to 74 years. The U.S. has to behold the growing integration of AI in screening processes and ophthalmic diagnostics. AI-powered systems can analyze retinal images and detect diabetic retinopathy with high accuracy, leading to early intervention and personalized treatment plans. The country has rigid concerning the marketing and approval of ophthalmic drugs and medical devices. Key players operating in this market must hold the guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure product safety and efficacy.

In Asia Pacific, the market is driven by factors such as increasing extensiveness of diabetes, rising awareness about diabetic complications, and advancements in diagnostic and treatment options. Governments and healthcare organizations around the region are implementing screening programs and initiatives to encourage early diagnosis and treatment, further fueling market growth. Countries with significant diabetic populations, such as China and India, dominate the market, while other rising economies are developing healthcare infrastructure rapidly.

The China is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy has also risen significantly. The primary driver behind this increase is generally allotted to unhealthy lifestyles, characterized by diets high in sugar and fat, coupled with insufficient physical activity. China has an aging population, with a major part of individuals aged 65 and above. The elderly population is more sensitive to both diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, creating an essential demand for specialized care and treatments.

In Europe, the market is driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of diabetes, an aging population, and increasing awareness about diabetes-related complications. Well-established healthcare systems and government initiatives in countries like Germany, the UK, and France support widespread screening and early detection programs, promoting timely interventions. Moreover, the integration of telemedicine and AI-based tools for retinopathy screening is improving access and efficiency in managing the disease. Advances in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), and innovative treatments, including anti-VEGF therapies are enhancing patient care across the region.

In Germany, the market is driven by increased demand for diabetic retinopathy management and treatment options. Germany has a robust healthcare system, encouraging investments in research and development. The country has witnessed significant advancements in diagnostic tools and treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, such as retinal imaging technologies, laser therapies, and intravitreal injections.

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Key Trends

• Increase in Prevalence of Diabetes: The growing global prevalence of diabetes, particularly in emerging economies due to lifestyle changes, is driving the incidence of diabetic retinopathy. As more people are diagnosed with diabetes, the demand for screening and treatment for diabetic retinopathy rises
• Teleophthalmology and Remote Monitoring: The use of telemedicine for diabetic retinopathy screening and follow-ups is growing, especially in regions with limited access to specialists. Remote monitoring technologies are enhancing patient management and care continuity, improving outcomes in underserved populations
• Aging Population: The aging global population is contributing to the increase in diabetes and diabetic retinopathy cases, especially in developed countries. This demographic shift is expected to drive further demand for diabetic retinopathy care, placing a strain on healthcare systems to manage the growing burden

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Market Dynamics

Increasing cases of diabetes

In Global, increasing population and the rise in the geriatric population are likely to cause diabetes due to the aging factor and other reasons. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by the higher level of sugar in the blood which leads to the blockage of microscopic blood vessels that provide blood to the retinas, due to the blockage cuts off the blood supply. Due to these, the eye attempts to create a new blood vessel, but these types of blood vessels may not form properly and lead to leakage, which might cause spots or dark strings floating on the vision, blurred vision, fluctuating vision, and sometimes vision loss. The increasing risk of diabetic retinopathy in the senior population due to the greater level of diabetes drives the increasing demand in the diabetic retinopathy market.

Rising Investment in Diabetic Retinopathy

The increasing investments by the leading key players in the development of technologies in ophthalmic devices promises a beneficial opportunity for the Diabetic Retinopathy market. Technological advancement such as emergence of artificial intelligence in diabetic retinopathy devices for efficiency in the treatment drives the growth of the market. Further technological acceptance such as optical coherence tomography used in the diagnosis allows the provision of cross-sectional images with superior quality that allows doctors to make better decisions. Thus, all these advancements in diabetic retinopathy devices are driving the growth of the market.

Competitive Landscape

The Diabetic Retinopathy market is characterized by the presence of both established players and emerging companies, each strive for market share through product innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion. Industry giants like Bayer AG, ABBVIE Inc, Novartis AG, Alimera Sciences, Genentec Inc, Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, Kowa Company Ltd, BCNPeptides, Oxurion NV, Sirnaomics. The market also witnesses significant contributions from emerging companies leveraging AI and telemedicine to improve accessibility and diagnostic accuracy, particularly in underserved regions. Partnerships between healthcare providers and technology firms are becoming common to expand screening initiatives.

The key players in the global Diabetic Retinopathy market include - Bayer AG among others.

Recent Market Developments

New FDA Clearance Makes Eyenuk the First Company with Multiple Cameras for Autonomous AI Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy

In June 2023, Eyenuk, a global artificial intelligence (AI) digital health company, and the leader in real-world applications for AI Eye Screening™ and AI Predictive Biomarkers™, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to use the Topcon NW400 retinal camera with its EyeArt AI system to automatically detect diabetic retinopathy (DR), adding to the already-cleared usage with Canon CR-2 AF and Canon CR-2 Plus AF cameras

EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection sBLA for Every 16-week Dosing Regimen in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy Accepted for FDA Review

In June 2022, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for an every 16-week 2 mg dosing regimen (after initial monthly doses) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). The target action date for the FDA decision is February 28, 2023

The global Diabetic Retinopathy market can be categorized as Type, Management, Distribution Channel and Region.