Report ID: PMRREP34526
Report Type: Ongoing
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Industry: Healthcare
The global market for orthokeratology lenses is worth around US$712.4 Mn as of 2024 and is projected to reach a valuation of approximately US$950 Mn by the end of 2031. The orthokeratology lens market report indicates a CAGR of 6.9% between 2024 and 2031.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2024(E) |
US$712.4 Mn |
Revenue forecast in 2031(F) |
US$950 Mn |
CAGR (2024-2031) |
6.9% |
CAGR (2019-2023) |
6.5% |
Rising awareness of the significant role of orthokeratology lenses against a growing worldwide burden of refractive errors is predominantly driving growth in the global orthokeratology lens market.
As technology advances and people subject themselves to excess screentime, the number of people with myopia, astigmatism, and other vision problems is expected to rise. Ortho-K lenses, or OK lenses offer an ideal non-surgical alternative to traditional glasses and contacts, making them an attractive option.
Recent studies by Investigative Ophthalmology, and Visual Science pinpoint around 28% of the world's population suffering due to myopia. This condition not only impacts a patient’s vision but is also associated with a significant healthcare cost, and potential complications in future.
An even steeper rise in myopia cases is expected, making it a leading cause of permanent blindness, thus generating a massive opportunity for othokeratology lens manufacturing brands.
According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of myopia is expected to reach a staggering 52% by 2050. This highlights the immense potential of orthokeratology lenses in managing this growing epidemic.
On the other side, a growing number of ophthalmic clinics, especially in developing economies, plays an instrumental role in market expansion. These clinics are highly equipped with advanced ophthalmic technologies, making them an attractive option in front of patients in previously underserved areas.
The emergence of combined ophthalmic centers within hospitals, catering to various refractive disorders, will be another highlight of the market, creating a host of growth opportunities.
Rising Refractive Errors, and Proactive Myopia Management
The global population is experiencing a significant rise in refractive errors like myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. This trend is particularly concerning in Asia, where studies report myopia prevalence exceeding 60%.
Factors like increased screen time, potentially exacerbated by the pandemic's surge in internet use, are believed to be contributing factors. By 2050, the number of people with myopia is projected to reach a staggering 4.8 billion.
Greater emphasis on preventative eye care measures is driving interest in ortho-k lenses. Unlike traditional treatments like glasses or LASIK surgery, ortho-k offers a proactive approach to myopia management, particularly appealing to parents seeking to slow down their children's myopia progression.
Studies have shown that ortho-k treatment, when initiated early, can significantly reduce axial eye elongation, a key factor in myopia progression.
Growing R&D Initiatives
The rising demand for ortho-k lenses is prompting major market players to increase their focus on R&D and product development. This translates into a higher number of product launches and regulatory approvals, catering to the growing demand for effective and safe ortho-k solutions.
Recent examples include Menicon's launch of the Menicon Z Night lens in China and Cooper Companies' CE approval for their Dreamlite OK Lens in Europe, specifically designed for myopia control in children, and young adults.
The ortho-k lens market is witnessing a growing number of strategic acquisitions, and partnerships, which fuels innovation and expedites product launches to meet patient needs.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care's launch of ACUVUE Abiliti lenses in Singapore exemplifies this trend, offering children with myopia a new option for vision correction, and management.
These developments, coupled with advancements in lens technology and broader application areas, are expected to propel the ortho-k lens market forward.
Demand for Non-Surgical Vision Correction
Consumers are increasingly opting for non-surgical vision correction methods like ortho-k lenses. This shift stems partly from concerns about side effects associated with refractive surgeries like LASIK, such as dry eye, glare, and halos.
Studies suggest that up to 40% of LASIK patients experience dry eye after surgery. Additionally, traditional surgeries often have limited application for children.
Ortho-k offers a compelling alternative. It eliminates the need for daytime glasses or contacts, making it particularly suitable for children. Furthermore, advancements in lens materials and design prioritize user comfort and fitting.
Growing awareness among both eye care professionals, and patients about the benefits of ortho-k in myopia management, coupled with an increasing number of product approvals and launches, is expected to solidify ortho-k's position as a preferred non-surgical vision correction method.
Cost and Coverage Concerns
Despite the promising advancements in ortho-k technology, some factors impede wider market growth. A significant challenge is the orthokeratology lens prices. This encompasses not just the initial fitting process but also ongoing lens care, and replacement.
Furthermore, in some regions, insurance coverage for ortho-k treatment is limited, or non-existent. This can place a significant financial burden on patients, particularly for families already managing the costs of childhood vision correction.
The expensive prices of ortho-K lenses, and limited reimbursement coverage can restrict broader adoption as a viable treatment option, despite its demonstrated effectiveness.
Historical Growth and Course Ahead
The ortho-k lens market experienced a significant setback during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown restrictions meant fewer patients visited optometrists, and hospitals for eye check-ups, leading to a drop in demand for ortho-k lenses in 2020. This impacted major market players who reported declining revenue.
However, the pandemic also presented an unforeseen consequence in form of a surge in myopia - especially among children. Increased screen time due to stay-at-home measures and less outdoor activity are believed to be contributing factors.
This has, though ironically, fueled demand for vision correction solutions like ortho-k lenses. By 2021, the market saw a rebound as ophthalmic practices resumed operations and global demand for lenses picked up.
The future prospects of the orthokeratology lens market appear promising. The growing population of individuals with myopia, coupled with the resumption of eye care services, is expected to drive market growth in the upcoming years.
Rising Myopia Prevalence in Children
Studies show a concerning rise in myopia, particularly in Asia. This creates a large and growing target audience for effective myopia management solutions.
Parents are increasingly seeking proactive ways to manage their children's myopia and slow down progression. Ortho-k offers a clear advantage over traditional options like glasses or LASIK, which are reactive and do not address progression.
Developing comfortable and safe ortho-k lenses specifically designed for children's eyes and needs presents a significant opportunity. This could involve advancements in materials, lens design, and fitting techniques to cater to this unique demographic.
By addressing the specific needs of children with myopia, lens manufacturers are likely to tap into a rapidly growing market segment and position itself as a leader in proactive vision correction for the generation next.
Market Segment |
Market Share (2024) |
By Lens Type – Overnight Ortho-K Lens |
>90% |
By Indication - Myopia |
41% |
By Distribution Channel - Hospitals |
25% |
Overnight Ortho-K Lenses Champion Sales
The overnight ortho-K lens segment reigns supreme in the orthokeratology lens market, capturing more than 90% of the global market revenue. Overnight lenses offer superior comfort compared to traditional contact lenses. Users simply wear them while sleeping, eliminating any daytime discomfort.
The effectiveness of these lenses is well-established, providing a convenient and reliable vision correction solution. This is particularly appealing for those who dislike wearing glasses or daytime contacts, or who actively participate in sports.
These advantages translate into a clear preference for overnight lenses. Sales of overnight ortho-K lenses is also bolstered by increasing FDA approvals, and advancements in lens design.
On the contrary, daytime ortho-k lenses, currently holding a small market share, are not as widely adopted due to potential discomfort, and dryness associated with their prolonged wear. The overnight ortho-K lens segment thus remains the undisputed leader in the orthokeratology lens market.
Myopia to be the Most Widely Observed Indication Creating Lens Demand
Myopia, more popularly nearsightedness, remains the clear leader in driving demand for orthokeratology lenses worldwide. The segment currently accounts for a whopping 41% of the market share and the dominance will prevail, majorly on the back of an alarming rise in myopia cases over the recent past.
Orthokeratology lenses offer a compelling solution for myopia, particularly for children. These lenses can effectively help with the expected slowdown in myopia progression in youngsters, making them a popular choice for their parents.
Astigmatism is also a condition that causes blurred vision at all distances, also holds a respectable market share in the indication category. The American Optometric Association reports a strong preference for corrective eyeglasses among people with astigmatism.
However, with 1 in 3 Americans experiencing astigmatism, and this number expected to rise, which is why orthokeratology lenses present a viable alternative to surgery for vision correction.
Hospitals to be the Leading Distribution Channel
Hospitals take the top spot in orthokeratology lens distribution and currently represent a revenue share of nearly 25%. The primacy of this segment is due to the rising incidence of eye disorders like cataracts, and glaucoma.
Hospitals often have advanced treatment facilities that make them well-equipped to handle ortho-k lens fitting, and monitoring. Increasing investments in orthokeratology lenses, especially within hospitals, will create a strong impetus to an expanding share of this segment in the orthokeratology lens market.
Ophthalmic clinics, on the other hand, are also experiencing a significant growth surge. Their appeal lies in providing their patients with a cost-effective alternative to hospitals.
As the number of people with vision loss rises, the share of ophthalmic clinics in ortho-K lens distribution is expected to increase as well. A growing number of ophthalmologists, especially across the developing economies, will keep this trend going.
Market Segment by Region |
Market Share (2024) |
North America |
38% |
Europe |
xx% |
Asia Pacific |
xx% |
Latin America |
xx% |
MEA |
xx% |
North America Remains the Leading Force
North America continues to secure the top rank in the global orthokeratology lens market, capturing approximately 38% of the total revenue as of 2023. This dominance can be attributed to several factors. The region is a hub for innovation, with continuous advancements leading to the launch of highly flexible and effective ortho-k lenses.
There is rising prevalence of visual impairment, creating a significant patient pool seeking vision correction solutions. Major players like CooperVision, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Bausch & Lomb Inc. have a strong presence in North America, further propelling market growth.
Strategic collaborations, like the one between Johnson & Johnson Vision and Menicon in 2021, exemplify the commitment to address childhood myopia and expand product availability, solidifying North America's position at the forefront of the orthokeratology market.
Asia Pacific Expects Exponential Growth Through 2031
Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness exponential growth in the orthokeratology lens market over the years to come. This surge is driven by several factors. Growing adoption of advanced products like SEED, and ProCornea benefits the market in this region to a large extent.
The region has a rapidly expanding geriatric population, a demographic more susceptible to vision problems and potentially receptive to orthokeratology as a corrective measure.
Moreover, rapidly growing awareness about eye-related disorders is prompting individuals to seek treatment options. Major players are capitalizing on this by expanding their presence in the region.
While Menicon recently established a subsidiary in China to boost production and cater to the growing demand for orthokeratology lenses, similar developments are likely to influence the growth pace of Asian markets in the ortho-K lens industry.
With consistently increasing healthcare expenditure, rising awareness, and an expanding geriatric population, particularly in countries like India, and China, Asia Pacific region is poised to emerge as a significant force in the OK-lens market.
Additionally, the rigorously expanding network of ophthalmic clinics, and hospitals all over the key economies is further expected to accelerate the demand for these vision-correcting lenses, thereby keeping the market afloat.
September 2023
AccuLens announced the launch of NewVision SC, its newest, US FDA-approved orthokeratology lens. It is a corneoscleral OrthoK design and is exclusively made from the Contamac Infinite (tisilfocon A) material. The company intends to deliver enhanced wear-time comfort and flexibility with a large diameter design of the lens.
September 2021
Scotlens announced a collaboration with Avizor for the launch a new ortho-K lens’ unboxing experience.
May 2021
Johnson & Johnson Vision received an approval for its first OK lens from the US FDA. The lens is specifically designed for myopia management.
May 2021
The procornea dreamlite ortho-K lenses by CooperVision received CE approval. The lens shows progression of myopia among children, and young adults.
Attributes |
Details |
Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
Historical Data Available for |
2019 to 2023 |
Market Analysis |
US$ Billion for Value |
Key Regions Covered |
|
Key Market Segments Covered |
|
Key Companies Profiled |
|
Report Coverage |
|
Customization & Pricing |
Available upon request |
By Indication
By Product Type
By Distribution Channel
By Region
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The global orthokeratology lens market size is currently about US$712.4 billion.
Rising cases of myopia, and the increasing acceptance of OK lenses as an ideal vision correction solution drive market growth.
Increasing prevalence of myopia in children and young adults presents a significant business opportunity for brands.
North America is currently the leading regional market in this space.
Some of the key market players are Bausch & Lomb Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., CooperVision, Euclid Systems Corp., and GP Specialists.