The global ophthalmic knives market is set for steady expansion, with market size expected to reach USD 2.32 billion in 2025 and climb to USD 3.03 billion by 2032, advancing at a CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period (2025–2032). The growth trajectory is being driven by a surge in ophthalmic disorders, increasing surgical volumes, and advancements in precision surgical tools.
Ophthalmic knives—critical, precision-engineered instruments designed for procedures such as cataract removal, glaucoma treatment, and refractive surgeries—are becoming increasingly indispensable in modern ophthalmology. Their ability to enhance surgical precision, minimize invasiveness, and improve patient outcomes continues to bolster demand across hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialized ophthalmic clinics worldwide.
Rising Burden of Vision Disorders Driving Market Growth
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts affect more than 65 million people globally, with cataract surgery ranking among the most frequently performed medical procedures worldwide. Researchers at Zhejiang University estimate that over 26 million cataract surgeries are performed annually, a number projected to rise steadily as populations age and access to eye care expands.
The high incidence of age-related eye disorders, including glaucoma and refractive errors, has elevated the need for reliable surgical tools such as ophthalmic knives. WHO data further highlights that over 2 billion people live with vision impairment, with untreated cataracts being a leading cause. This rising prevalence underscores the growing requirement for advanced, safe, and efficient surgical instruments.
Market Outlook (2019–2032)
Key Industry Highlights
North America dominates with a 37% market share, underpinned by high rates of glaucoma surgeries and robust healthcare infrastructure.
Straight ophthalmic knives lead the design segment with 27% market share, attributed to their wide usage in cataract and retinal surgeries.
Reusable ophthalmic knives account for 75% of the product segment, favored for their cost-efficiency and long-term durability.
Growing infection control concerns are fueling a shift toward single-use ophthalmic knives, particularly post-COVID-19.
Innovations such as AI-assisted robotic surgeries and ultra-thin diamond blades are reshaping surgical precision.
Asia Pacific is projected to record the fastest growth, driven by increased healthcare investments and expanding access to quality ophthalmic care.
Market Dynamics
Drivers — Growing Surgical Volumes and Aging Populations
The rising prevalence of cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders is the primary growth driver. With cataract surgeries exceeding 26 million annually, the demand for reliable ophthalmic surgical instruments is expected to rise sharply. Hospitals and surgical centers are increasingly prioritizing minimally invasive techniques to improve recovery times and surgical outcomes—further boosting adoption of precision knives.
Restraints — Stringent Regulatory Requirements
Ophthalmic knives are classified as high-risk surgical instruments, subject to rigorous safety and quality checks. Manufacturers face stringent U.S. FDA and CE compliance requirements, which elevate production costs and prolong product launch timelines. For small and mid-sized players, these regulatory hurdles remain a significant barrier to market entry.
Opportunities — Demand for Disposable Surgical Knives Rising
Growing concerns over hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) have accelerated the demand for disposable surgical knives. WHO data reveals that approximately 1 in 10 patients affected by HAIs will die, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. This alarming statistic is fueling stricter sterilization protocols and spurring the transition toward single-use ophthalmic knives to mitigate infection risks.
Category-Wise Analysis
Design Insights
Straight Knives: Leading the segment with a 27% share, straight knives are widely utilized for cataract and retinal surgeries due to their sharpness and reliability. Their disposable variants also reduce infection risk.
MVR Knives: Micro vitreo retinal knives are gaining momentum, particularly for creating side ports in small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification procedures. Known for durability and precision, they are forecast to see robust growth.
Product Insights
Reusable Ophthalmic Knives: Represent 75% of global revenues. Constructed from stainless steel or diamond, these knives are favored in high-volume surgical centers for cost-effectiveness and sharpness retention.
Single-Use Ophthalmic Knives: Growing rapidly due to infection control benefits and regulatory support. Particularly popular in hospitals with high surgical turnover.
Regional Insights
North America
Holding 37% of the market, North America continues to dominate. The U.S. and Canada benefit from advanced healthcare infrastructure, higher adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and strong reimbursement frameworks. The availability of leading global players further consolidates the region’s position.
Asia Pacific
Expected to witness the fastest growth through 2032. Countries such as India and China are investing heavily in ophthalmic healthcare, expanding eye-care clinics in both urban and rural settings. Rising disposable incomes, increasing incidence of ocular diseases, and growing awareness about advanced treatments are key factors driving adoption.
Europe
Europe represents a strong market, supported by a growing geriatric population and widespread adoption of advanced surgical procedures. According to Eurostat, nearly half a million EU residents are projected to be centenarians by 2050, further pushing demand for precision eye surgeries.
Competitive Landscape
The ophthalmic knives market is characterized by intense competition, with leading players investing heavily in innovation and product development. Companies are expanding portfolios with ergonomic designs, advanced materials, and AI-driven surgical solutions, while also pursuing mergers and acquisitions to expand global reach.
Key players include:
Alcon
BVI Medical
Diamatrix Ltd.
Bausch & Lomb
MANI Inc.
UNIQ Technologies
Teleflex Incorporated
HAI Laboratories, Inc.
Recent Industry Developments
July 2024 — HumanOptics launched its EXTRA IN VISION campaign at the DOC Congress 2024 in Nuremberg, unveiling a new line of disposable ophthalmic knives.
July 2024 — Alcon Vision LLC announced the acquisition of BELKIN Vision, strengthening its glaucoma treatment portfolio with Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) technology.
September 2023 — BVI Medical acquired Medical Mix to expand its European footprint and reinforce its role in the surgical equipment industry.
Future Outlook
The ophthalmic knives market is positioned for consistent growth through 2032, fueled by rising surgical volumes, greater awareness of infection control, and innovations in surgical technologies. While regulatory challenges remain, increasing adoption of single-use devices, growth in emerging markets, and integration of robotics and AI into ophthalmic surgeries present lucrative opportunities for industry stakeholders.
As healthcare systems worldwide strive to reduce blindness and vision impairment, precision instruments such as ophthalmic knives will remain central to delivering safer, more effective eye surgeries.
