The outlook for the global market for laser eye surgery is positive. The market continues to expand as more eye surgery companies across the globe continue to invest in new technology. The common type of laser eye surgery is the Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), a refractive surgery developed to treat vision problems including hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. Vision problems are said to be on the rise globally, and as a result of this, more people need eye treatment.
According to a 2015 report published by the WHO, more than 285 million people in the world suffer from vision problems. The 2015 WHO report also showed that 1.89 billion people suffer from myopia globally, and that figure is expected to double by 2022.
Several factors expose us to vision problems including genetic factors, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Experts suggest that spending less time outdoors can contribute to vision problems.
Laser eye surgery has come a long way. The sector has experienced continuous growth in techniques and technology. Hardly a year goes by without an announcement of innovation in the laser eye surgery sector, which is an indicator that companies are investing heavily in research and technology development.
The treatments of vision problems are more advanced than they were a decade ago. Laser technology has also seen waves of development, giving rise to laser eye surgery techniques that are less intrusive and safer for the client. The new laser eye surgery technologies come with better precision, high speed, and are generally easier to operate. This response to a demand in less intrusive eye surgeries has lead to several benefits, including less time spent in the hospital and lower blood loss. Laser eye surgery businesses are some of the biggest beneficiaries of the development of the sector. They now record a steady increase in their client base because more people are comfortable with the new procedures. For instance, iLASIK, a platform developed by AMO, consists of the newly developed IntraLase FS laser. The instrument has become one of the preferred instruments amongst laser eye surgery companies.
On March 28, 2019, a leading company in the eye care industry located in Arizona, Horizon Eye Specialists and LASIK centre, announced that it will provide custom LASIK surgery powered by iDESIGN. This advanced WaveScan boasts of a high-definition scan that has been tested and proven to be more precise than any known traditional LASIK procedures.
Industry heavyweight Johnson & Johnson Vision unveiled the world’s first contact lens called the ACUVUE OASYS with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology. Apart from its vision correction capabilities, the lens serves as a photochromic filter that helps to balance the intensity of the light entering the eyes.
Some of the top companies operating in the laser eye surgery market include the following:
Abbott Inc. (U.S.)
Aris Vision Correction (U.K.)
LaserSight Technologies Inc (U.S.)
Carl Zeiss Inc. (Germany)
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (U.S.)
