Global Optical Instrument and Lens Market Analysis

The optical instrument and lens market size is expected to reach US$ 41.2 Bn by 2030, from US$ 29.8 Bn in 2023, at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.

The optical instrument and lens market consists of a variety of products that are used for examining eyes and vision. Some of the key products in this market are slit lamps, retinoscopes, phoropters, fundus cameras, optical coherence tomography systems, and lenses. Slit lamps are used for the close examination of the external eye and anterior chamber. Retinoscopes help in objective refraction of the eye during an eye exam. Phoropters assist in subjective refraction by rotating lenses to determine the best corrective lens. Fundus cameras capture images of the interior surface of the eye to examine the retina. Optical coherence tomography systems use light to capture high resolution cross-sectional images of the retina and anterior segment.

Optical Instrument and Lens Market Drivers

• Aging Population is Driving the Demand for Corrective Lenses: As life expectancy increases globally, the average age of populations in many countries is rising significantly. According to data from the United Nations, the percentage of persons aged 65 years or over is projected to rise from 7% to 16% between 2015 and 2050. The growing geriatric population is expected to drive the demand for corrective lenses to a notable extent. Many eye disorders, such as presbyopia and cataracts, are more common among older individuals. Presbyopia, where the eye's ability to focus on near objects decreases with age, affects nearly everyone who live long enough. It usually develops in a person's early to mid-40s and continues to worsen until reading glasses or bifocals/trifocals are needed. Cataracts, where the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, is another vision impairment strongly associated with aging. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts already cause impaired vision in over 20 Bn people aged 50 years or older. With longevity increasing almost everywhere, the prevalence of age-related eye conditions requiring vision aids is set to surge significantly. Spending on corrective lenses by the expanding base of older consumers is thus expected to drive revenues for optical instrument and lens manufacturers.
• Growth in Healthcare Applications: The increasing use of optical systems in medical devices and diagnostics is boosting the growth of the optical instrument and lens market. Advanced microscopes are enabling cellular and molecular imaging for biomedical research. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems are being widely used in ophthalmology for retinal imaging. Endoscopy procedures utilize specialized imaging systems for improved visualization in minimally invasive surgeries. Optics also plays a key role in laser based diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical systems. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases is further escalating the demand for such healthcare devices and systems.

Optical Instrument and Lens Market Opportunities

• Rising Screen Time is Increasing the Demand for Computer Vision Correction: The ubiquitous use of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers has dramatically increased screen time worldwide over the past decade. Recent data from the European Working Conditions Survey revealed that two-thirds of respondents spent 3 hours or more per day on digital screens at work. Multiple studies have linked excessive screen usage to digital eye strain symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and fatigue. Besides, extensive near work can exacerbate or accelerate the development of myopia or ‘nearsightedness’ in children and young adults. The World Health Organization has declared myopia an important public health concern and its projections estimate that almost half the world's population will be nearsighted by 2050 without intervention. With people spending growing hours gazing at devices, the demand for computer glasses, blue light blocking lenses and myopia management options is rising. Several governments have recognized programs to address accelerating myopia rates. For example, in 2021, Taiwan announced strategies to halt further myopia progression in children by 2030. The growing awareness about and prioritization given to digital eye health signals is a thriving market opportunity for optical instrument and lens brands that offer solutions for computer vision issues.
• Scope in Medical Diagnostics and Imaging: The expanding applications of optical technologies in medical diagnostics, imaging and image guided therapies provide lucrative prospects for market growth. Optical biopsy techniques using Raman spectroscopy, OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), and photoacoustic tomography enable non-invasive diagnosis. Portable and handheld OCT systems and AI (artificial inelegance)-based screening tools are being developed for point-of-care testing. Multimodal imaging systems combining OCT, ultrasound, and other techniques are emerging. Robot assisted endoscopy and microsurgery are new application areas. Optics also plays an enabling role in photodynamic and optogenetic therapies. Personalized medicine is further driving the need for advanced real-time visualization tools.
• Rising Demand for Optics in Emerging Markets: The increasing demand for optical instruments and vision care products in developing countries represents key opportunities for optics manufacturers. Growing healthcare expenditure, improving standards of living, and expanding middle class population in countries like China, India, and Brazil are escalating the uptake of microscopes, endoscopy systems, ophthalmic devices, and other optics-enabled medical equipment. The growing electronics manufacturing and rising construction activities are also fueling the adoption of optics-based measurement and inspection systems in these regions. Investments into R&D centers and collaborations with regional players can help companies tap into emerging markets.

Optical Instrument and Lens Market Restraints

• High Cost: High cost associated with optical instrument such as fundus cameras is expected to hinder the growth of the global optical instrument and lens market. For instance, VisuCam 200 (Carl Zeiss), non-mydriatic color fundus camera, costs in the range of US$ 25,000 to US$ 30,000, which may be significantly high for private clinics or tier II and tier III hospitals.
• Complexity Involved in the Usage of Optical Instruments: The operation of microscopy devices often requires specialized training and expertise, which can be a barrier for many users, particularly in regions where such training is not readily available or accessible. Moreover, the interpretation of results obtained from these devices also requires a high level of expertise, further complicating their usage. This complexity can deter many potential users, thereby hindering the market growth. Additionally, the need for a controlled environment for the optimal functioning of these devices can also pose challenges. Any slight variation in the environment can affect the performance of the devices and the accuracy of the results, which can be a significant deterrent for many institutions, especially those in regions with unstable environmental conditions.