Retinal Disorder Treatment Market - By Product, By Route of Administration, By End Use - Global Forecast 2025 - 2034

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Size

The global retinal disorder treatment market size was valued at around USD 18.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 6.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
 

Retinal disorder treatment includes medical, surgical, and pharmaceutical treatment of the retina. Some common methods are anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, vitrectomy, and corticosteroid therapy. The primary aim of such treatments are to preserve or restore vision and avert further harm to the retina. The chosen treatment varies with the particular disorder, the disorder’s stage, and the general health of the patient’s eye.
 

The burgeoning global prevalence of diabetes alongside its complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are expanding the retinal treatment market further. As suggested by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Atlas 2025, 11.1% of the adult population aged between 20-79 (equivalent to 1 in 9 people) is living with diabetes while over 40% remains undiagnosed. This number is expected to reach 853 million by 2050, further expanding vision-threatening complications.
 

The National Library of Medicine stated that in 2023, 93 million people have DR and could cross 25-30% of the patient-base showing progression towards DME. Alongside this, DME remains as one of the critical side effects caused due to DR and impacts over 21 million individuals globally and is the leading cause of vision loss among patients with type-2 diabetes. Such statistics highlight the urgent need for timely diagnosis and specialized treatments.
 

Furthermore, the increase in geriatric population is positively impacting the growth of the retinal disorder treatment market. Elderly population is susceptible to chronic eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the market of which is expected to reach USD 23.9 billion by 2032. According to the World Health Organization, in 2023, 285 million people were estimated to be visually impaired; 65% of the visually impaired were reported to be over the age of 50. In addition, the number of AMD patients is expected to increase from 196 million in 2020 to 288 million by 2040, with the U.S. projecting a doubling in patients to 17.8 million by 2050. This shift in demographics within the world population is encouraging pharmaceutical companies to devise new strategies for changing drug formulation and delivery for elderly patients to improve adherence and clinical outcomes, thereby improving market growth.
 

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Trends

• Combination therapies are being explored to improve efficacy and durability. Some late-stage candidates are more advanced, such as double pathway inhibitory drugs that block VEGF and angiopoietin-2. For example, Faricimab (Vabysmo, Genentech/Roche) is approved in some markets and increasingly possesses prolonged dosing intervals because of targeting VEGF-A and Ang-2 concurrently which may improve anatomical and visual prognosis.
   
• Furthermore, certain countries have implemented AI-based tele-screening for diabetic retinopathy using fundus photography and automated image analysis, leading to improvements in early detection.
   
• For example, a multicentric study carried out in Kolkata, India gauged the AI-based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening System (AIDRSS) with 5,029 participants and more than 10,000 fundus images. This system presented 92% sensitivity and 88% specificity in total. It also showed 100% sensitivity for referable DR cases which confirms its validity for wide-scale screening in resource limited settings. These results indicate how AI-powered screening can alleviate critical shortages of specialists and significantly lessen the burden of vision impairment in severely underserved populations.
   
• Moreover, preferences are moving toward sustained-release intraocular therapies that lower the frequency of intravitreal injections. This change is illustrated by the U.S. FDA approval of Genentech’s Susvimo (ranibizumab injection), a refillable eye implant that allows continuous drug delivery for up to six months. Innovations like these are enhancing patient compliance and reducing the treatment burden.
   

Trump Administration Tariffs

• Drug manufacturers involved in retinal disorder therapy may face an increase in production costs on medical grade packaging and China-sourced materials. The tariffs are expected to impact specific monoclonal components such as biologic intermediates, polymer based intravitreal delivery systems, and ophthalmic-grade syringes, all of which are essential to anti-VEGF therapies and sustained-release implants. Because a large amount of these materials come from China, companies may face significant margin pressures.
   
• In response to these issues, some manufacturers could review their global supply chains and explore sourcing from India, South Korea, and Eastern Europe, which have comparable GMP-qualifying manufacturing capabilities but do not face similar U.S. trade hurdles. Such initiatives are expected to remain extremely important for biosimilar manufacturers and CDMOs reliant on low-cost foreign manufacturing.
   
• Patients and payers may face near-term disruptions such as higher input prices, potential delays in treatment accessibility, and uncertain pricing.
   
• Companies are expected to strategically drive supplier diversification and bolster domestic biologics manufacturing to mitigate dependence on high-risk trade routes for long-term adaptive resilience.
   

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and other types. The macular degeneration segment is further sub-segmented into wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration. The global market was valued at USD 18.3 billion in 2024. The macular degeneration segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 55.2% in 2024.
 

• The increasing burden of macular degeneration, especially age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the main contributor to the segment’s dominance. AMD impacts the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for fine-graded vision. One of the most notable reasons patients over 60 years lose their eyesight is age-related macular degeneration.
   
• According to an August 2024 study published by the ScienceDirect journal, almost 20 million adults in the U.S. have this condition, which places it amongst the top reasons for vision loss in people over 60. The population suffering from macular degeneration is projected to reach around 288 million worldwide by 2040, indicating a need for treatment of retinal disorders aimed at this population.
   
• Moreover, the above factors are further substantiated by demographic shifts and clinical needs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world population of 60 years or older is projected to grow from 1 billion in 2020 to 2.1 billion by 2050, with those aged 80 and above increasing three times to 426 million.
   
• Thus, new challenges in the form of comorbidities associated with aging such as hypertension and obesity are added, which in turn is expected to catalyze AMD prevalence and fuel continued investments and innovation focused on specialized treatment.
   

Based on dosage form, the retinal disorder treatment market is segmented into capsules and tablets, eye drops, eye solutions, gels, ointments and injections. The injections segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 63.5% in 2024.
 

• Injections are applied directly to the back of the eye and serve as a primary treatment for several retinal conditions. These are important for conditions such as AMD, retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and DME.
   
• The segment’s expansion is further supported by ongoing clinical development activities. The key factors responsible for the growth are the increasing use of intravitreal injections, with anti-VEGF therapies in particular. These injections provide fast therapeutic response for retinal disorders such as DME and neovascular AMD as the drug is delivered directly to the posterior segment of the eye.
   
• The anti-VEGF agents such as Vabysmo, Lucentis, Avastin, and Eylea have demonstrated their ability to reduce retinal edema and neovascularization while providing improved visual acuity. Clinical research has unequivocally validated the efficacy of these agents in vision saving and halting disease advancement in wet AMD and other inflammatory vascular retinopathies.
   
• Further supporting the segment's growth are continued activities in clinical development. As an example, in September 2024, Merck launched the Phase 2b/3 BRUNELLO trial assessing Restoret (MK-3000), a new tri-specific Wnt antibody, for DME and neovascular AMD. This therapy, which is intended to restore the blood-retinal barrier through Wnt signaling, is administered by intravitreal injection and addresses vascular leakage and inflammation. These advancements in injectable therapeutics, together with their proven effectiveness in the clinic, bolster the segment’s growth in this market.
   

Based on distribution channel, the retinal disorder treatment market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 8.7 billion in 2024.
 

• This segment captured the most substantial market revenue because of the acute dependency on the hospital infrastructure for the diagnosis and treatment of complex retinal disorders like AMD and DR.
   
• These conditions often require complex diagnostic evaluations as well as the administration of specialized injectable treatment, such as anti-VEGF therapy, which is readily provided in a hospital setting.
   
• Additionally, hospital pharmacies maintain close collegial relationships with ophthalmology units, so prescribed treatments can be fulfilled without delay, facilitating better control of managed and un-managed acute retinal cases. The sponsored procurement systems as well as substantial insurance claim payments to hospitals strengthen the dispensing volume through this channel.
   
• Thus, hospital pharmacies continue to be the most important and primary source for therapeutic agents used in the management of retinal disorders.
   

North America: The U.S. retinal disorder treatment market is projected to grow significantly, from USD 7.1 billion in 2024 to USD 13.1 billion by 2034.
 

• The U.S. had the most demanding market for the treatment of retinal disorders owing to its population structure, disease burden, and healthcare system. AMD, DR, and retinal vein occlusion are some of the most common conditions in older people, which makes age an essential risk factor in the U.S.
   
• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people aged 65 and older are forecasted to grow from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, an increase of 47%. This shift is anticipated to greatly increase the requirement of pharmacological treatment for retinal healthcare needs.
   
• Moreover, market growth is further bolstered by the wide availability of intravitreal injection therapies, coverage of the reimbursement policies, and market presence of key drug manufacturers.
   

Europe: The retinal disorder treatment market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The country faces a surge in its aging population. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it is expected that in 2050 one in four people in the UK will be aged 65 or over.
   
• With this increase in population, the country is witnessing an increasing burden of chronic conditions, such as Diabetes Mellitus, which is a significant factor responsible for the growth of this market in the UK.
   
• According to the statistics provided by Diabetes UK, there are currently over 5.8 million diabetes sufferers in the UK, which is a record number. Approximately 1.3 million such people are estimated to be undiagnosed with type 2 diabetes, making the risk of suffering from retinal complications high.
   

Asia Pacific: Japan retinal disorder treatment market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.
 

• Japan's aging population is a major factor driving demand for retinal disorder treatments. According to Statista, 36.35 million people (29% of the population) were aged 65 or older, as of November 2023.
   
• Older people are more prone to diabetes and AMD, thus further fostering the expansion of this market in Japan.
   
• Moreover, as part of its ophthalmology services, the government of Japan provides patients with universal healthcare coverage for advanced diagnostic processes, ophthalmic surgeries, and stem cell therapies along with disease management support programs which enhance treatment adherence (for example, anti-VEGF injections and laser treatments).
   

Middle East and Africa: The retinal disorder treatment market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• In Saudi Arabia, the demand for treating retinal disorders is on the rise. This demand has increased because of demographic and epidemiological factors. The aging population is rising rapidly, with those 60 years or older increasing fivefold from 2 million in 2020 (5.9% of the total Saudi population) to 10.5 million by 2050.
   
• Alongside this increase, the growing burden of diabetes also complicates the issue as it increases the likelihood of life-threatening complications associated with vision. The Saudi Diabetes Federation states that in 2021, there were alarming 4.3 million reported cases of diabetes among Saudi adults which leads to DR and DME.
   
• All these factors are further enhance the demand for cost-effective and reliable retinal therapies such as intravitreal injections and laser treatments, further expanding the market growth in the country.
   

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Share

Top 4 companies such as Bayer AG, Novartis AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals together held 50% market share of the market. Competition has been on the rise due to the introduction of biosimilars and long-acting therapeutics, resulting in moderate consolidation within the market. Focused market participants aim to develop anti-VEGF agents with extended-release capabilities, dual-action molecules, and gene therapies to fulfil existing gaps in DME and AMD treatment. Collaborations with academic institutions as well as with biotech pioneers aid in enhancing pipeline acceleration for first-generation retinal therapies supporting early-stage research and development, thus fostering market growth.
 

Retinal Disorder Treatment Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the retinal disorder treatment industry include:

• AbbVie
• Alimera Sciences
• Amgen
• Apellis Pharmaceuticals
• Astellas Pharma
• Bayer
• Biogen
• Bausch + Lomb
• Celltrion
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Regeneron Pharmaceutical
• Santen Pharmaceuticals
• Sandoz Group

• F. Hoffmann-La Roche offers market leading anti-VEGF biologics like Lundbeck’s Lucentis and Vabysmo for AMD, DME, and RVO, emphasizing minimizing treatment burden with long-acting delivery systems such as the Port Delivery System (PDS) flagship product. The company also integrates comprehensive clinical trial data and real-world evidence alongside refined therapeutic offerings to retain market leadership within the retinal segment.
   
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has dominated the market with Eylea (aflibercept), which captures considerable revenue from the wet AMD and DME markets. The company is advancing high dose and long interval formulations to augment patient compliance while simultaneously exploring combination biologics to improve overall treatment outcomes.
   
• Novartis provides a differentiated portfolio in the retinal space such as Beovu (brolucizumab) with AMD and DME approvals having lower dosing requirements. These therapies aim to minimize burden while preserving high visual acuity outcomes.
   

Retinal Disorder Treatment Industry News:

• In March 2025, Celltrion gained approval for Eydenzelt (CT-P42), a biosimilar of Regeneron/Bayer’s Eylea (aflibercept) from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA); the drug allows the treatment of various retinal diseases. This regulatory achievement allows the company to enter the biosimilars market of ophthalmology in this country while bolstering its strategic positioning in the Asia-Pacific region and supporting its overarching global expansion objectives.
   
• In February 2025, Bayer announced that Health Canada has approved Eylea HD (aflibercept injection, 8mg), a pre-filled syringe with OcuClick integrated dosing system for the treatment of nAMD and diabetic macular oedema (DME) in Canada.
   
• In July 2024, Genentech, a part of the Roche Group, gained FDA clearance for the Vabysmo (faricimab-svoa) 6.0 mg single dose prefilled syringe (PFS) for wet AMD, DME and RVO associated macular edema. This action enhanced convenience in treatment and broadened access, reaffirming Roche's dedication towards innovation in ocular disease therapeutic development.
   
• In June 2022, Biogen Inc. and Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. entered into collaboration and launched BYOOVIZ (ranibizumab-nuna), a biosimilar of LUCENTIS, in the U.S. This event signified Biogen’s entrance to the ophthalmology biosimilars market which diversifies his portfolio and enhances its position in the U.S. biologics market.
   

The retinal disorder treatment market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Type

• Macular degeneration
  • Wet macular degeneration
  • Dry macular degeneration 
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs)
• Diabetic macular edema
• Retinal vein occlusion
• Other types

Market, By Dosage Form

• Capsules and tablets
• Eye drops
• Eye solutions
• Gels
• Ointments
• Injections

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands 
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE