Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Report

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Overview

The Retinal Disorder Treatment Market size was valued at USD 8918.96 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 13441.55 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The retinal disorder treatment market is witnessing rapid growth due to the increasing prevalence of vision-impairing diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and retinitis pigmentosa. As of 2023, over 196 million people worldwide are affected by AMD, and this number is projected to exceed 288 million by 2040. Diabetic retinopathy impacts nearly 35% of individuals with diabetes, translating to over 180 million people globally. The aging population further accelerates this demand; in 2023, more than 771 million people were aged 65 and above, with a significant portion at risk for retinal diseases.

Advancements in ophthalmic drug development and diagnostics are also reshaping the market landscape. Over 30 retinal drugs are currently in the pipeline, with a focus on extended-release biologics, gene therapies, and anti-VEGF agents. Furthermore, the growing availability of AI-enabled retinal imaging and teleophthalmology services is enhancing early detection and treatment access, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Hospitals, specialty clinics, and retail pharmacies are expanding their offerings to include the latest treatments. With increased regulatory approvals, technological adoption, and demand for personalized care, the market is poised for sustained momentum in innovation and treatment accessibility.

Key Findings

Driver: The increasing prevalence of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy is propelling the demand for effective retinal disorder treatments.

Top Country/Region: The United States stands out as the leading country in the retinal disorder treatment market, with a significant share and continued growth prospects.

Top Segment: Macular degeneration holds the largest market share, driven by the aging population and the high incidence of this condition.

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Trends

The retinal disorder treatment market is currently undergoing a major transformation driven by innovation in biologics, drug delivery systems, gene therapy, and diagnostic technologies. As of 2023, the market is strongly influenced by the rising prevalence of vision-threatening retinal diseases, especially wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Wet AMD accounts for nearly 10% of all AMD cases but leads to 90% of legal blindness associated with the condition. Over 20 million people worldwide are estimated to suffer from wet AMD in 2023, creating a significant demand for advanced therapies. A prominent trend is the increasing development and adoption of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapies. Leading drugs such as Eylea (aflibercept), Lucentis (ranibizumab), and newer agents like Vabysmo (faricimab) are gaining popularity due to their proven efficacy. In 2023 alone, more than 15 million anti-VEGF injections were administered globally. Vabysmo, in particular, showed strong uptake in the U.S. and Japan due to its dual inhibition mechanism (VEGF-A and Ang-2), allowing extended treatment intervals of up to 16 weeks, which is favored by both physicians and patients. Another major trend is the shift toward long-acting delivery systems. Traditional intravitreal injections, required every 4–8 weeks, are burdensome for patients and healthcare systems. To address this, companies are launching innovations like sustained-release implants and refillable ocular reservoirs.

Susvimo, a ranibizumab port delivery system developed by Roche, allows treatment every 6 months and was relaunched in 2024 after addressing manufacturing issues. Clinical trials have shown that nearly 80% of patients maintained vision improvements with this less frequent dosing schedule. The gene therapy segment is gaining momentum, especially for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). Luxturna, the first FDA-approved gene therapy for retinal dystrophy, demonstrated durable vision improvement in over 65% of patients treated with a single subretinal injection. Meanwhile, newer candidates like EDIT-101 and GT005 are advancing through Phase II and III trials, targeting conditions such as Leber congenital amaurosis and dry AMD, respectively. AI-powered retinal imaging is also reshaping early diagnosis and monitoring. As of 2023, over 5,000 healthcare centers globally adopted AI-based fundus analysis tools to screen for retinal disorders, reducing diagnostic time by up to 80%. The integration of teleophthalmology, especially in Asia and Latin America, is further expanding the reach of retinal treatments to underserved populations. These trends are collectively pushing the market toward more personalized, efficient, and accessible care pathways.

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

The growing prevalence of retinal disorders, particularly age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, has led to an increased demand for pharmaceutical interventions. Advancements in drug development, including anti-VEGF agents and gene therapies, are expanding treatment options. The integration of AI in diagnostics and the development of long-acting formulations are further enhancing the effectiveness and convenience of treatments, driving market growth.

RESTRAINT

Demand for refurbished equipment.

The high cost of advanced retinal treatments and diagnostic equipment can be a barrier, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This has led to a demand for refurbished equipment as a cost-effective alternative. However, reliance on refurbished equipment may limit access to the latest technologies and affect the quality of care, posing a challenge to market expansion.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in personalized medicines.

The shift towards personalized medicine presents significant opportunities in the retinal disorder treatment market. Tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles and disease characteristics can enhance efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Advancements in genomics and biomarker research are facilitating the development of personalized therapies, offering a promising avenue for market growth.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures.

The escalating costs associated with retinal disorder treatments, including drug development, clinical trials, and advanced diagnostic tools, pose a significant challenge. These rising expenditures can strain healthcare systems and limit patient access to cutting-edge therapies. Efforts to balance innovation with cost-effectiveness are crucial to ensure sustainable market growth.

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Segmentation

The retinal disorder treatment market is segmented based on treatment type and application. By treatment type, the market includes gels, capsules & tablets, eye drops, and ointments. By application, it encompasses hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, and retail pharmacies.

By Type

Gels: are used for their sustained-release properties, allowing for prolonged drug delivery to the retina. They are particularly beneficial in reducing the frequency of administration, enhancing patient compliance.
Capsules & Tablets: Oral formulations, such as capsules and tablets, offer a non-invasive treatment option for certain retinal conditions. They are convenient for patients but may have limited efficacy in delivering drugs directly to the retina.
Eye Drops: are a common treatment modality, providing direct drug delivery to the eye. They are widely used due to their ease of administration and minimal systemic side effects.
Ointments: offer prolonged contact with the ocular surface, enhancing drug absorption. They are particularly useful for nighttime administration, providing sustained therapeutic effects.

By Application

Hospital Pharmacy: are the primary distribution channel for retinal disorder treatments, especially for injectable therapies requiring medical supervision. They ensure the availability of specialized medications and facilitate patient monitoring.
Online Pharmacy: are gaining popularity due to their convenience and accessibility. They offer a platform for patients to obtain medications without visiting physical stores, catering to the growing demand for home-based care.
Retail Pharmacy: provide over-the-counter and prescription medications for retinal disorders. They play a crucial role in patient education and adherence to treatment regimens.

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Regional Outlook

The retinal disorder treatment market exhibits varying dynamics across different regions.

North America

dominates the market, accounting for 38.0% of the global revenue in 2023. The U.S. leads the region, driven by a high prevalence of retinal diseases and advanced healthcare infrastructure.

Europe

holds a significant share, with the market valued at USD 3,739.7 million in 2023. The UK is expected to register the highest growth rate, attributed to increasing investments in ophthalmic research and development.

Asia-Pacific

is the fastest-growing region, projected to reach USD 5,739.9 million by 2030. The rising prevalence of diabetes and improving healthcare infrastructure are key growth drivers in countries like India and China.

Middle East & Africa

region is witnessing gradual growth, supported by increasing awareness of retinal disorders and expanding access to healthcare services. Efforts to improve diagnostic and treatment facilities are contributing to market development.

List of Top Retinal Disorder Treatment Companies

Santen Pharmaceutical
REGENERON
Graybug Vision
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Bayer
Roche-Genentech
Acucela
Pfizer

REGENERON: holds a significant market share, driven by its flagship product Eylea, which is widely used for treating various retinal disorders.

Bayer: is a key player in the market, with a strong portfolio of ophthalmic products and a global presence.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The retinal disorder treatment market is experiencing a surge in investment activity, driven by the global rise in retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. According to clinical data published between 2023 and early 2024, over 196 million individuals worldwide are affected by AMD, with this figure expected to surpass 288 million by 2040. This growing patient population is creating a strong foundation for investment in therapeutic research, infrastructure, and biotechnology innovation. Investors are particularly drawn to emerging technologies such as gene therapy, stem cell-based regeneration, and sustained-release drug delivery systems. For example, over $1.2 billion in venture capital funding was injected into ophthalmic biotechnology companies between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024, with a significant share targeting retinal therapies. Strategic investments are also being made in R&D capabilities to address the limitations of current treatment regimens, especially the need for frequent intravitreal injections. Companies such as Graybug Vision and Kodiak Sciences are developing long-acting formulations to improve treatment adherence and reduce clinic visits. These innovations are capturing investor interest, as they align with both clinical demand and healthcare system efficiency. Furthermore, pharmaceutical giants such as Roche, Bayer, and Regeneron are heavily investing in next-generation therapeutics including bispecific antibodies and gene editing technologies. Regeneron, for instance, has expanded its clinical research budget by over 18% in 2023 to support pipeline development in retinal conditions beyond wet AMD.

Public-private partnerships are another area of opportunity, particularly in emerging markets where access to treatment remains limited. Government programs and health initiatives in India, Brazil, and parts of Southeast Asia are now co-funding infrastructure for retinal imaging, diagnostics, and treatment delivery. In China, the National Health Commission increased its funding allocation for diabetic eye care by 23.7% in 2023, stimulating market entry for both domestic and international pharmaceutical players. Meanwhile, biosimilars are beginning to penetrate markets where affordability remains a barrier, presenting a lower-cost alternative to biologics and expanding patient access. Artificial intelligence (AI) and teleophthalmology are emerging as new investment avenues. AI-enabled retinal imaging tools are reducing diagnostic time by up to 40%, according to clinical trial results released in late 2023. Startups offering remote diagnostic solutions have seen investment growth rates exceeding 30% year-over-year. With increasing demand for early detection and remote monitoring, AI-driven platforms are forecasted to play a vital role in reshaping the future of retinal care, creating high-return opportunities for investors focused on healthcare digitization.

New Product Development

The retinal disorder treatment market has witnessed significant momentum in new product development from 2023 to 2024, particularly focused on long-acting therapies, gene therapy innovations, and combination drug regimens. The high treatment burden associated with frequent intravitreal injections—typically every 4 to 8 weeks for conditions like wet AMD—has prompted companies to develop extended-release formulations and implants. One of the most notable launches in 2023 was Regeneron’s Eylea HD, a high-dose aflibercept formulation approved for less frequent dosing every 12 to 16 weeks after the initial loading phase. The product quickly gained traction across ophthalmology clinics, with over 125,000 units administered in the U.S. within six months of launch. Meanwhile, Roche-Genentech’s Vabysmo (faricimab) continues to make advancements in dual-pathway inhibition, targeting both VEGF-A and Ang-2. Clinical data from over 3,000 patients in the TENAYA and LUCERNE trials showed Vabysmo enables treatment intervals up to 16 weeks in nearly 80% of patients. Following FDA approval, Vabysmo was introduced into 20+ new markets in 2023, expanding global access. In parallel, Kodiak Sciences is developing KSI-301, a novel antibody-biopolymer conjugate targeting VEGF pathways, which completed Phase III trials and demonstrated durability up to 6 months per injection. Gene therapy is also advancing rapidly. Luxturna, a first-in-class gene therapy by Spark Therapeutics (now part of Roche), remains the only FDA-approved gene therapy for retinal disease, specifically for RPE65 mutation-associated inherited retinal dystrophy. However, new contenders have emerged, such as Editas Medicine’s EDIT-101, which is in clinical trials for CEP290-related Leber congenital amaurosis.

The therapy uses CRISPR gene editing delivered via subretinal injection and has shown promising preliminary data, with meaningful visual improvements observed in over 60% of trial participants. Additionally, sustained-release ocular implants such as Susvimo (Roche) have been reintroduced to the market following manufacturing improvements. Susvimo delivers continuous anti-VEGF therapy via an implantable port and refillable reservoir. In the Archway Phase III study, patients received the device once every six months with comparable efficacy to monthly intravitreal injections. This approach significantly reduces treatment burden and has garnered renewed interest following regulatory clearance for relaunch in 2024. Companies are also innovating in drug-device combinations. Clearside Biomedical introduced a microinjector platform for suprachoroidal drug delivery, targeting posterior segment disorders while minimizing anterior segment exposure. Trials in diabetic macular edema showed faster onset of action and better patient tolerance. As of late 2023, over 14 companies were developing similar delivery technologies, including intravitreal pumps, microneedles, and encapsulated cell therapies. The convergence of biologics, devices, and digital monitoring is reshaping the innovation landscape in retinal disease management.

Five Recent Developments

Regeneron launched Eylea HD in August 2023, with an 8 mg aflibercept formulation allowing dosing up to every 16 weeks. The product recorded over 125,000 injections in the U.S. alone within six months of launch.
Roche reintroduced Susvimo (ranibizumab injection via port delivery system) in Q1 2024 after resolving manufacturing-related issues. The device now supports 6-month dosing intervals for wet AMD patients.
Editas Medicine reported positive interim data from the BRILLIANCE trial in 2023, showing 60% of patients treated with EDIT-101 for Leber congenital amaurosis experienced meaningful visual improvement.
Kodiak Sciences completed Phase III trials of KSI-301 in late 2023, demonstrating durability of up to six months between injections with comparable efficacy to standard anti-VEGF therapies.
Clearside Biomedical’s SCS Microinjector completed a Phase IIb trial in December 2023, showing improved outcomes in diabetic macular edema when used for suprachoroidal drug administration compared to traditional intravitreal injection.

Report Coverage of Retinal Disorder Treatment Market

This report provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the global retinal disorder treatment market, focusing on critical aspects such as treatment modalities, technological innovations, disease prevalence, and regional performance. Covering the 2023–2024 timeframe and extending to future projections, the report analyzes treatment options for major conditions including age-related macular degeneration (both wet and dry), diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and inherited retinal dystrophies. Each disease category is assessed with respect to diagnostic rates, treatment trends, patient demographics, and therapeutic advancements. The report segments the market based on treatment type—eye drops, gels, ointments, capsules, and tablets—with each category evaluated for its clinical efficacy, adoption rate, and innovation potential. A deep-dive analysis of application areas such as hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, and retail pharmacies is also included, examining sales volumes, distribution strategies, and consumer access. Market dynamics including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges are discussed with numerical data, including the rising number of aging individuals (globally, over 771 million people were aged 65 or older in 2023), the expanding prevalence of diabetes (537 million adults in 2023), and treatment accessibility trends across emerging economies.

Furthermore, the report provides detailed regional analysis across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. It explores regulatory pathways, market entry strategies, public-private partnerships, and localized challenges such as pricing pressures and infrastructure gaps. The competitive landscape section outlines strategies of key players, merger and acquisition activities, R&D pipelines, and emerging biotech firms disrupting the treatment paradigm. Investment trends, clinical trial activity, and product development pipelines are explored extensively, with insights into funding volumes, venture capital involvement, and academic-industry collaborations. The report also evaluates future innovations including sustained-release delivery systems, digital ophthalmology platforms, and gene-based interventions. With over 85 pages of data-driven insights and segmented intelligence, the report equips stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make informed business decisions in a dynamic and evolving market landscape.