High Adoption of Ophthalmic Lasers in Healthcare

Introduction

Ophthalmic laser technology falls under the list of novel medical innovations that have made significant contributions in the healthcare sector. Ophthalmic lasers are capable of treating individual ophthalmic cells, which form the root cause of several ophthalmic diseases including cataract, glaucoma, retinal tears, macular oedema and diabetic retinopathy. Each ophthalmic conditions require specific ophthalmic laser types to treat – for instance, diabetic retinopathy is usually corrected by photocoagulation through green lasers.

The ophthalmic laser coagulates abnormal vascular tissues in the retina or vigour iris to perforate in a trabecular meshwork in order to release excessive intraocular pressure or glaucoma. In some cases, they may also be used to restructure the cornea for rectifying vision problems.

Benefits of Ophthalmic Lasers Treatments 

The introduction of ophthalmic laser technology has revolutionised the treatment modules present in ophthalmic corrections.  Ophthalmic lasers treatments can eliminate the dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Such Laser procedures can correct abnormally shaped eyeball or cornea and other refractive errors. Few of the common ophthalmic disorders such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and presbyopia or ageing eye are being successfully treated by using ophthalmic laser treatment.

Technology used in Ophthalmic Lasers

Most ophthalmic laser systems work on specific laser modules— laser pump, a laser medium, cooling system and laser cavity, which are systematically combined and accelerated through a slit-lamp bio-microscope with the help of a flexible fiber-optic cable. Intraocular probes, indirect ophthalmoscopes, and interfaces are amongst other laser technology system available in the market.

Demand for Ophthalmic Lasers Treatment

Factors such as increasing incidence of glaucoma and growing geriatric population prone to ophthalmic diseases are fueling the demand for ophthalmic lasers treatment. In addition, constructive reimbursement policies and higher importance to healthcare, especially in developed countries are expected to boost the demand for ophthalmic laser procedures. On the other hand, the high cost of laser procedures and costly replacement of outdated ophthalmic laser systems with latest models may hinder the demand for such systems in ophthalmic clinics and hospitals.

Trend

Manufacturers are strongly focussing on developing advanced ophthalmic laser systems to offer definitive treatment solutions to patients. The arrival of advanced ophthalmic laser equipment in the market is expected to benefit the global ophthalmic laser treatment market in the near future. For instance, FDA approval of Lutronic’s latest ophthalmic laser device for treating macular oedema is expected to stimulate the overall ophthalmic lasers treatment market. The specific device can treat retinal pigment epithelium that incurable with existing laser systems.

Conclusion

Demand for ophthalmic lasers treatment is expected to gain traction in the near future. The global ophthalmic lasers market is expected to surpass US$ 697 Million by the end of 2026. North America is the largest market for ophthalmic lasers and is expected to remain dominant over the next few years. Further, Western Europe is anticipated to account for the second highest market share in the global ophthalmic lasers market following North America.