Corneal Transplant – Market Overview & Treatment Insights
Corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with donor corneal tissue. It restores vision, reduces pain, and improves the appearance of a damaged cornea.
🌍 Market Snapshot
Global rise in eye disorders like keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, and corneal scarring is fueling demand.
Aging population and diabetes prevalence contribute to increased corneal degeneration cases.
Global market size (2024 est.): ~$600 million+
Expected CAGR: 6–8% through 2030
🔬 Types of Corneal Transplants
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)
Full-thickness transplant
Used for deep corneal damage
Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK)
Targets only the inner layer (e.g., DMEK, DSAEK)
Faster recovery, lower rejection rates
Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)
Replaces only the front layers
Ideal for superficial scars and keratoconus
💡 Market Trends
Rising adoption of lamellar techniques (DMEK/DSAEK) for their precision and faster recovery
Artificial and bioengineered corneas are emerging as alternatives
Increase in eye banks and awareness campaigns supporting cornea donation
🚀 Key Players
Alcon
CorneaGen
Presbia
AJL Ophthalmic
Sanofi (Genzyme) – involved in eye care biotech
🌐 Regional Insight
North America dominates due to robust eye banking systems
Asia-Pacific shows fastest growth driven by unmet need, especially in India & China
Government support in organ/tissue donation awareness boosting adoption
🔮 Outlook
With innovations in surgical tools, minimally invasive corneal surgeries, and regenerative medicine, the corneal transplant market is poised for substantial evolution.