More BrandsCataracts are a common visual problem that afflicts people as they get older. The lens of the eye becomes clouded, leading to a deterioration in eyesight. Vision clarity can be restored through the implantation of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) and surgical technology is undergoing rapid development. Given the aging global population, the IOL market is set for a modest but steady growth in the years ahead; according to a new report from WinterGreen Research, the market will be worth US$3.8 billion by 2019.
The publication noted that cataract surgical procedures are becoming more and more precise, adding that the key concern for the IOL market is the safety of cataract surgical devices and lenses. The number of cataract surgeries is being driven by advancements in medical procedures and lower surgery costs.
Cataract surgical technology is developing at a brisk pace, WinterGreen stated, the past decade has seen the introduction of a series of premium IOLs and new products are expected to come out in the year ahead. Laser-assisted technology for cataract surgery is becoming more popular among clinicians and surgeons are undergoing training in the use of new equipment. They are being motivated by the promise of greater surgical precision associated with the new techniques, the report said.
Cataracts top the list of causes of reversible blindness, accounting for 48% of global blindness cases. The number of cataract surgeries increased from 19 million in 2010 to 19.7 million in 2012.
