Orthokeratology, also known as corneal reshaping, involves wearing rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea and reduce myopia. Orthokeratology contact lenses are designed to gently reshape the corneal surface and temporarily reduce nearsightedness. The contact lenses are worn while sleeping, allowing the cornea to reshape itself during the night. Upon waking, the cornea has a temporary new shape that reduces myopia for clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses.
The global Orthokeratology Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 71 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics:
Rising Prevalence of Myopia: Growing prevalence of myopia is the major factor driving growth of the orthokeratology market. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to bend and focus in front of the retina rather than precisely on it. According to the World Health Organization, around 50% of the world's population is expected to be myopic by the year 2050. Orthokeratology contact lenses are effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children and teenagers.
Efficacy of Orthokeratology in Myopia Management: Orthokeratology has proven to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children and teenagers. Clinical studies have shown that orthokeratology contact lenses can slow myopia progression by 50-70% as compared to single-vision spectacles. The efficacy of orthokeratology contact lenses in stabilizing refractive errors has increased adoption among eye care professionals as well as parents, thereby propelling market growth.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Orthokeratology lenses temporarily reshape the cornea as the patient sleeps, correcting vision withoutdependence on glasses or contact lenses during the day. This offers convenience compared to conventional vision correction methods. It also causes less discomfort than contact lenses. Effective for both myopia and astigmatism control without surgery.
Weakness: Requires strict adherence to wearing the prescribed orthokeratology lenses at night and removing them in the morning. Non-compliance can result in blurred vision during the day or complications. Risk of complications like infections if not handled properly. Significant upfront costs of the Ortho-K treatment compared to glasses.
Opportunity: Rising prevalence of myopia and other refractive errors globally increases the patient pool for orthokeratology treatment. Growing awareness and acceptance of this non-surgical method compared to LASIK surgery. Development of silicone hydrogel and other advanced material lenses have improved comfort and suitability for orthokeratology use.
Threats: Threat from newer refractive error correcting surgical procedures like LASIK and PRK that provide permanent vision correction. Increased popularity of daily disposable contact lenses reduce dependence on orthokeratology lenses. Regulations regarding orthokeratology lens usage and safety can vary in different geographies.
Key Takeaways
The global Orthokeratology market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. The global orthokeratology market contact lens market is estimated to be valued at US$ 71 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Regional analysis
The Asia Pacific region accounts for the largest share of the global Orthokeratology market currently. Rapid economic development and rising disposable income in major Asia Pacific markets such as China and India have increased accessibility to advanced vision correction options like orthokeratology. According to industry sources, China alone accounts for over 60% of the global orthokeratology volume currently, aided by supportive government policies and insurance coverage for non-surgical treatments. Other Asia Pacific countries like Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian nations are also contributing to market growth.
Key players
Key players operating in the Orthokeratology market are Autek China, Alpha Corporation, Bausch and Lomb Inc., Euclid Systems, E & E Optics, Essilor International S.A., GP Specialists, Paragon Vision Sciences, Procornea, and Taiwan Macro Vision Corporation. Essilor International S.A. and Alpha Corporation currently have the largest revenue share. Bausch and Lomb also has a sizable presence with their SofLens brand of orthokeratology lenses popular across markets.
