Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 26, 2025 – Global Macular Edema and Macular Degeneration Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 22.9 Billion by 2034 from US$ 11.2 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. In 2024, North America led the market, achieving over 42.7% share with a revenue of US$ 4.7 Billion.
Macular edema and macular degeneration are two major causes of vision impairment, particularly among older adults. These retinal conditions affect the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision required for reading and recognizing faces.
Macular edema occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula due to leaking blood vessels, leading to swelling and blurred vision. It is commonly associated with diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion. Early symptoms may include distorted vision, difficulty reading, and faded colors. Treatments such as anti-VEGF injections, corticosteroids, or laser therapy can help reduce swelling and preserve vision when diagnosed early.
On the other hand, macular degeneration, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), results from deterioration of macular cells. It is categorized into two forms: dry AMD, which progresses slowly and is more common, and wet AMD, which involves abnormal blood vessel growth and can lead to rapid vision loss. Risk factors include age, smoking, high blood pressure, and genetic predisposition. As populations age, awareness, early detection, and access to treatment have become critical. Public health initiatives and clinical advancements continue to improve outcomes for those at risk. Regular eye exams and early intervention remain the best defense against permanent vision loss.
Key Takeaways
- Market Size: The global macular edema and macular degeneration market is projected to reach approximately US$ 22.9 billion by 2034, rising from US$ 11.02 billion in 2024.
- Market Growth: The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.
- Treatment Type Analysis: In 2024, the drug therapy segment dominated the market, accounting for 63.4% of the total revenue share, driven by the widespread use of anti-VEGF injections and corticosteroids.
- Application Analysis: The macular edema segment emerged as the leading application area, contributing to 29.3% of the global market share in 2024.
- End-Use Analysis: Hospitals represented the largest end-user category in 2024, holding a 46.2% share of the market, owing to higher patient intake and availability of advanced retinal treatment options.
- Regional Analysis: North America led the global market in 2024 with a 42.7% revenue share, generating approximately US$ 4.7 billion, supported by strong healthcare infrastructure and high prevalence of retinal diseases.
Segmentation Analysis
- Treatment Type Analysis: In 2024, drug therapy accounted for a dominant 63.4% share of the market, driven by the clinical success of anti-VEGF agents and corticosteroid implants. These therapies are widely adopted due to their efficacy in improving vision and reducing fluid accumulation. While laser treatments remain relevant especially in diabetic macular edema and early wet AMD their use is declining. Innovations in pharmacologic treatments offering longer-lasting results continue to strengthen drug therapy’s market leadership.
- Application Analysis: The macular edema segment held the largest application share at 29.3% in 2024, with diabetic macular edema (DME) leading due to rising diabetes cases and strong reimbursement support. Cystoid macular edema (CME) also contributes significantly, backed by steroid-based therapies. The macular degeneration segment includes dry and wet AMD, with wet AMD dominating due to widespread anti-VEGF use. While dry AMD sees fewer therapies, clinical trials targeting new pathways offer future potential for this segment.
- End-Use Analysis: Hospitals captured a 46.2% market share in 2024, driven by integrated ophthalmology services, access to advanced diagnostics, and favorable reimbursement for both inpatient and outpatient procedures. Clinics, especially retina-focused centers, serve a substantial share by offering specialized care and regular treatment cycles for chronic eye conditions. Other end users, including ambulatory surgical centers and academic institutions, support innovation through clinical trials and contribute to early adoption of novel therapies, adding to overall market momentum.
Market Segments
By Treatment Type
- Drug Therapy
- Laser Treatment
By Application
- Macular Edema
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
- Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)
- Macular Degeneration
- Dry age-related macular degeneration
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
By End User
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Others
Regional Analysis
In 2024, North America accounted for a dominant 72.7% share of the global macular edema and macular degeneration market, reaching a market value of US$ 4.7 billion. This strong performance is attributed to the high prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects approximately 10% of Americans aged 50 and above, according to the National Eye Institute.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) also contributes significantly, impacting nearly 3.8% of U.S. adults aged 40 or older with diabetes, representing around 746,000 individuals. The region benefits from a well-established healthcare infrastructure, including early access to optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and specialized retina care clinics.
Reimbursement frameworks under Medicare and private insurers have supported the broad use of intravitreal drug therapies. Additionally, research initiatives backed by the NIH and NEI continue to drive innovation in pharmacologic and gene-based treatments. The expansion of teleophthalmology services has further improved access, especially in underserved areas.
Public health strategies such as Healthy People 2030 also focus on vision preservation through enhanced screening and awareness campaigns. These combined factors affirm North America’s market leadership, with sustained investments and healthcare policies expected to maintain its dominant position over the forecast period.
Emerging Trends
The prevalence of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is rising in aging populations. In the United States, the number of adults ≥40 years with vision-threatening AMD is projected to increase from approximately 1.8 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2030. Globally, advanced AMD cases are expected to surge as “baby boomers” continue to age, placing greater demand on retina care services.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is becoming more common among adults with diabetes. National data show that DME affects about 3.8 % of U.S. adults aged ≥40 years with diabetes, equating to roughly 746,000 individuals. From 2009 to 2018, the annual prevalence of any DME climbed from 0.7 % to 2.6 %, representing an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 19.8 % (p < 0.001).
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies have been increasingly adopted as first-line treatment. Among patients with DME, annual claims for anti-VEGF injections grew by 327 % between 2009 and 2018. This shift has coincided with a 68 % reduction in laser photocoagulation procedures for DME over the same period.
Innovations in diagnostic technology and telemedicine are enhancing early detection. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become the standard for cross-section imaging of the retina, revolutionizing diagnosis of AMD and diabetic retinopathy since its FDA approval in 1991. Concurrently, AI-driven image analysis and teleophthalmology platforms are being trialed to screen patients remotely, expanding access in rural and underserved areas.
Use Cases
- Anti-VEGF Injection Protocols: Patients diagnosed with neovascular (“wet”) AMD or DME are routinely treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Clinical data indicate a 327 % increase in anti-VEGF claims for DME between 2009 and 2018, demonstrating widespread adoption of this targeted therapy. Treat-and-extend dosing regimens are being optimized to balance treatment frequency with visual outcomes.
- Nutritional Supplementation (AREDS Formulas): The AREDS and AREDS2 clinical trials, sponsored by the National Eye Institute, have shown that high-dose vitamins and minerals can slow progression from intermediate to advanced AMD. Approximately 50 % of eligible patients report use of AREDS-based supplements following diagnosis, reducing risk of vision loss over two years.
- Teleophthalmology Screening Programs: Retinal imaging and telemedicine platforms are being deployed to screen high-risk individuals for example, those with diabetes or age ≥60—in community clinics. Remote interpretation of fundus photographs and OCT scans has enabled early referral, with pilot studies reporting diagnostic concordance rates above 90 % compared to in-person exams.
- Clinical Trials in Gene and Cell-Based Therapies: First-in-human trials using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) for dry AMD have been initiated under NEI funding. Early phase studies aim to restore retinal pigment epithelium function and are enrolling participants in the next 12 months. Parallel efforts are evaluating viral-vector gene therapies to deliver anti-angiogenic factors directly to the retina.
Conclusion
The global macular edema and macular degeneration market is witnessing substantial growth, driven by rising disease prevalence, advancing therapeutic options, and expanding diagnostic capabilities. With a projected market value of US$ 22.9 billion by 2034 and a CAGR of 7.2%, the sector is poised for sustained expansion.
Drug therapies, especially anti-VEGF injections, dominate treatment protocols, while diagnostic innovations such as OCT and AI-based screening are improving early detection. North America continues to lead due to strong infrastructure and public health initiatives. Ongoing research in gene and cell therapies further reinforces future opportunities in vision preservation.
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