Vitreous tamponades market

Complex cases of diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, giant retinal tears and trauma cases usually demand vitreous surgery for repair. In such cases, intraocular tamponades plays a vital role in providing support to the retina and preventing the passage of fluid through the retinal breaks.

Statistics:

The global vitreous tamponades market is estimated to account for US$ 92.3 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2027.

Global Vitreous Tamponades Market: Drivers

Increasing prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is expected to propel growth of the global vitreous tamponades market over the forecast period. For instance, according to the National Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy Survey report published in October 2019, the prevalence of diabetes in India was 11.8% during 2015-2019 and the prevalence of known diabetes cases was 8.0% and new diabetes cases was 3.8% during the period.

Moreover, increasing geriatric population is also expected to boost demand for vitreous tamponades. For instance, according to the World Health Organization, geriatric population is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, up from 900 million in 2015.  

Statistics:

North America held dominant position in the global vitreous tamponades market in 2019, accounting for 33.1% share in terms of value, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, respectively.

Figure 1: Global Vitreous Tamponades Market Share (%) Value, By Region, 2019

Global Vitreous Tamponades Market: Restraints

Commoditization of the vitreous tamponades industry in Europe, Asia Pacific, and RoW is expected to hinder growth of the global vitreous tamponades market. Rising demand for effective long-term tamponades and increasing number of manufacturers (especially penetration by local manufacturers who offer tamponades at lower prices) in the tamponades market has spurred a price war, which is adversely affecting industry revenue. Although the shift from high-priced to low-priced products enables distributors to record higher profit margins, it affects the overall vitreous tamponades market.

Moreover, reduced R&D expenditure by companies, resulting in lack of product innovation is also expected to limit the market growth.

Global Vitreous Tamponades Market: Opportunities  

R&D in vitreous tamponades is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global vitreous tamponades market. Currently, silicone oil, perfluorocarbon (PFCL) or gaseous tamponades are used for the treatment of retinal detachment disorders. Conventional silicone oil (specific gravity of 0.95 g/cm3 to 0.98 g/cm3) is used during the treatment of superior retina breaks, while heavy silicone oil (specific gravity of 1.02 g/cm3 to 1.06 g/cm3) is used during the treatment of inferior retina breaks. However, the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy and multiple breaks both in upper and lower retina remains clinically challenged. This is because conventional silicone oil floats in upper vitreous cavity and leaves the lower vitreous cavity without any effective support. Similarly, heavy silicone oil, which is ideal for the treatment of retinal break in lower vitreous cavity, leaves the upper cavity without support.

Moreover, development of innovative products in future is also expected to aid in growth of the global vitreous tamponades market.

Statistics:

The global vitreous tamponades market was valued at US$ 76.0 Mn in 2019 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 92.3 Mn by 2027 at a CAGR of 2.5% between 2020 and 2027.

Figure 2: Global Vitreous Tamponades Market Value (US$ Mn), 2016 – 2027

Market Trends/Key Takeaways

Silicone oil is one of the most commonly used tamponade agents in vitreoretinal surgeries. However, there are multiple adverse effects and complications of silicone oil such as secondary angle closure congestion, and anterior rotation of the ciliary body.

Major players in the global vitreous tamponades market are focused on strengthening its position in the market. For instance, in March 2020, Alchimia srl announced the incorporation of Alchilife Srl, an Italian Research & Development company specialized in the ophthalmic field.

Figure 03: Value Chain Analysis

Global Vitreous Tamponades Market: Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the global vitreous tamponades market include, Alchimia srl, Alcon, Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Croma-Pharma GmbH, Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (International) B.V., and Fluoron GmbH.

Global Vitreous Tamponades Market: Key Developments

Major players in the global vitreous tamponades market are focused on adopting M&A strategies to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in December 2018, Alcon, Inc. acquired Tear Film Innovations, Inc., a privately-held company and manufacturer of the iLux Device, a therapeutic device used to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, a leading cause of dry eye.