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March 2025
The global diabetic retinopathy market size is calculated at USD 9.52 billion in 2024, grew to USD 10.13 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 17.82 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 6.47% between 2025 and 2034. The increasing prevalence of diabetes and its complications, including blindness and an aging population, are expected to drive significant market growth.
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Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication where elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina and light-sensitive tissue present back of the eye. If it is not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to blindness and visual impairment. According to a report from the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have a high risk of experiencing eye issues associated with the condition, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and glaucoma. The National Eye Institute (NEI) reports that 7.7 million people aged 40 and above currently have diabetic retinopathy, and this figure is expected to rise to around 11 million by 2030. The rising occurrence of diabetes and associated blindness, along with the aging demographic, is anticipated to propel market expansion. This expansion is additionally backed by increasing awareness of diabetes management and the launch of new products. Additionally, A report from the WHO states that diabetic retinopathy accounts for 4.8% of the 37 million blindness cases globally. Thus, the growing awareness and demand for treatment promote the diabetic retinopathy market.
AI and machine learning (ML) have the potential to enhance the market through tailored treatment. AI and machine learning (ML) are transforming the diabetic retinopathy industry by enabling earlier detection, diagnosis, and therapy. AI algorithms analyze retinal pictures fast and precisely, allowing for early detection of diabetic retinopathy, which reduces the risk of vision loss. ML models can predict illness development, allowing for more tailored treatment strategies. Automated screening techniques driven by AI make it simpler to screen huge populations, particularly in disadvantaged areas, while also optimizing treatment regimens to improve patient outcomes. Overall, artificial intelligence and machine learning increase diagnostic precision, treatment efficiency, and diabetic retinopathy management.
Increasing Prevalence of Diabetes
The worldwide incidence of diabetes is swiftly rising because of elements like insufficient physical activity, poor dietary choices, and an expanding obesity crisis. According to the latest IDF report, over 1 in 10 adults worldwide, approximately 10.5% of the population, are living with diabetes, totaling more than half a billion people. This number is expected to increase significantly, with projections estimating nearly 800 million people affected by diabetes by 2045. Diabetic retinopathy is a significant microvascular complication of diabetes, impacting 30% to 40% of individuals with diabetes. With the increase in diabetes rates, the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy is also on the rise. A recent meta-analysis estimates that approximately 103 million individuals worldwide are currently affected by diabetic retinopathy, with projections indicating this figure will reach 161 million by 2045. With the increasing global incidence of diabetes, a greater number of individuals are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. The growing number of patients is driving the need for efficient diagnostic tools and treatment alternatives for diabetic retinopathy.
High-cost Expenditure
The increasing expenses for treating diabetic retinopathy contribute to overall healthcare spending, impacting individuals and healthcare providers such as government programs, private insurers, and employers. These substantial costs can burden healthcare budgets and obstruct financial resources for preventive strategies and early intervention initiatives. The cost of treating diabetic retinopathy, which includes regular eye exams, laser treatments, injections, and surgery, can create a significant financial strain on patients, especially those lacking sufficient insurance or financial support. Therefore, the high-cost expenditure will restrain the diabetic retinopathy market growth.
Raising Investment and Technological Advancement
The growing investments from leading market entities in advancing ophthalmic technologies create a favorable growth prospect for the diabetic retinopathy market. Improvements in diagnostic imaging and treatment strategies for diabetic retinopathy are improving early detection and management. The combination of AI, machine learning, and cloud-based technologies is enhancing the precision and effectiveness of these assessments. In February 2024, research released in JAMA Ophthalmology demonstrated that machine learning algorithms could forecast the advancement of diabetic retinopathy by examining ultra-widefield retinal images. The models precisely recognized every instance of mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) that progressed within a year, and 85% of moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy cases, indicating considerable chances for market expansion.
By type, the non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy segment held the largest share of the diabetic retinopathy market in 2024. The increasing elderly population and the rising incidence of diabetes-related blindness are the primary factors leading to its substantial shares in the market. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) represents the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, in which elevated blood sugar levels lead to the weakening and dilation of the retinal blood vessels. Although it might not present clear symptoms at first, as the situation advances, people may observe blurred or changing vision or dark patches. While non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) typically does not pose a direct risk to vision, it can advance to diabetic macular edema, leading to vision impairment. As NPDR intensifies, the chance of developing proliferative diabetic retinopathy can greatly harm vision.
By type, the proliferative diabetic retinopathy segment is predicted to witness significant growth in the market over the forecast period. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a severe form of retinopathy characterized by the development of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and vitreous humor, resulting in blurred vision and causing blindness. In the initial stages, it might not display noticeable symptoms but can ultimately result in macular edema. Significant trends in the diabetic retinopathy market characterized by proliferation involve the creation of novel treatments and therapies, the launch of advanced diagnostic tools, and the expansion of healthcare infrastructure in developing regions. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on utilizing AI and ML to improve the precision of diagnosing and treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
By management, the anti-VEGF segment led the global diabetic retinopathy market in 2024. Anti-VEGF therapy is considered the most widely used therapy for diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic patients with retinopathy frequently generate excessive VEGF, causing the abnormal development of blood vessels in the eyes. Anti-VEGF medications are created to inhibit the production of VEGF, aiding in the prevention of additional vessel growth and minimizing vision impairment. Eylea and Lucentis rank among the leading anti-VEGF medications on the market. Market expansion is anticipated to be driven by the launch of innovative, superior anti-VEGF therapies that provide extended dosing intervals and improved efficacy.
By management, the intraocular steroidal injection segment is predicted to witness significant growth in the market over the studied year. The intraocular injection consists of corticosteroid-based medicament that ultimately leads to cellular proliferation. Directly injecting steroids into the eye helps decrease swelling and avoid scar tissue development in individuals with diabetic retinopathy, especially in those with diabetic macular edema. Although anti-VEGF medications are usually the primary option for treatment, intraocular steroids are becoming more popular, particularly when administered independently or in combination with anti-VEGF therapy. This trend is anticipated to stimulate expansion in the intraocular steroid injection segment in the diabetic retinopathy market.
North America dominated the diabetic retinopathy market in 2024. The presence of key factors drives the market. Key factors such as improved healthcare infrastructure, government support for drug innovation, and elevated awareness among patients and healthcare providers drive the diabetic retinopathy market growth. The market expansion has been hastened by increasing healthcare expenditures, fueled by higher disposable incomes and enhanced health awareness within the population. The extensive use of innovative products such as anti-VEGF medications, such as Lucentis, Avastin, and Eylea, is a major factor in the area's significant market share.
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the market during the anticipated period. Technology developments in medicine and improvements in healthcare are driving market expansion in the area. Additionally, as the percentage of elderly diabetics increases, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and lifestyle advancement, such as obesity, also rises, increasing the need for related therapies. China and Japan are the main drivers of the Asia-Pacific region, which is largely responsible for this. In terms of revenue share, the Asia Pacific diabetic retinopathy market was dominated by China.
The most recent research on AI in diabetic retinopathy emphasizes how it may help with early identification and better access to healthcare, particularly for underprivileged groups. AI may now be utilized for eye exams in endocrinologists' clinics, identifying early indicators of diabetic retinopathy and directing patients to experts, said Dr. Michael Abramoff, founder of Digital Diagnostics. AI improves exam compliance and lowers health inequities, especially in minority and rural regions, according to recent studies. AI's accuracy and potential for broad adoption are revolutionizing diabetic eye care by providing prompt diagnosis and saving eyesight, even while issues like payment still exist.
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