Tonometer Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The tonometer market is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate of 3.98% to grow to US$410.489 million by 2029, from US$312.281 million in 2022.

The intraocular and fluid pressure inside the eye is measured using a tonometer, a portable medical device. It consists of metal plunger-equipped flat-tipped probes that are gently brushed on the eye's surface. 

It is used to identify and evaluate those at risk of glaucoma, which, in severe cases, can harm the optic nerve and result in blindness. Tonometers don't need fluorescein or topical anesthetic to use, and they lessen the risk of getting infections and corneal abrasions. As a result, hospitals, eye clinics, and ophthalmic centers frequently employ them.

MARKET DRIVERS:

Prospects for the tonometer market to expand

The increased prevalence of glaucoma among the general population is one of the primary drivers of the tonometer market rise. Further fueling the surge in tonometer demand is the growing elderly and diabetic populations, who are more vulnerable to eye-related conditions. 

The increased use of applanation tonometry in healthcare facilities is also fueling tonometer market growth. The test is frequently used to determine intraocular pressure (IOP) since it determines how much power is required to temporarily flatten a section of the cornea. Additionally, rebound tonometry's advancement is promoting tonometer market growth.

Growth in geriatric and diabetic patients

Since the population's life expectancy has grown over the past several years, there are more elderly people in society. A change from acute to chronic disorders including diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, and hypertension, is the reason for the decrease in life expectancy of humans. 

According to a 2019 United Nations World Ageing study, there will be 1.5 billion people who are 65 years of age or older worldwide by the year 2050. The prevalence of geriatric and other chronic illnesses would rise along with the population, which will propel the expansion of the worldwide tonometer market.

Increased number of eye check-up camps

Vision loss and blindness might be avoided via early identification of and detection of ophthalmic disorders including glaucoma and other chronic diseases causing eye difficulties. The signs of the disorders might be identified with routine eye exams. 

Glaucoma does not initially exhibit any particular symptoms or warning signals. Therefore, raising public knowledge of the condition may be crucial in preventing it; regular eye exams and measures to avoid vision loss further boost the worldwide tonometer market.

The growing use of applanation tonometry

The applanation tonometry test determines the eye's intraocular fluid pressure. The test measures the pressure needed to temporarily flatten a section of the cornea. It is employed in glaucoma diagnosis and is fueling the tonometer market. 

The gold standard in tonometry, applanation tonometers from firms like Carl Zeiss give accurate measures of intraocular pressure (IOP) based on the idea presented by Professor Goldmann. IOP measurement is an essential part of the diagnosis and treatment of many eye diseases, particularly glaucoma.

Additionally, the demand for applanation tonometry is anticipated to rise due to comparative studies with other tonometry devices, highlighting its effectiveness in diagnosing glaucoma. For example, research published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology in August 2022 revealed that handheld rebound tonometry devices often underestimate intraocular pressure (IOP) when compared to applanation tonometry. 

This underestimation of IOP with handheld rebound tonometry may result in the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of glaucoma, leading to irreversible vision loss. Consequently, the market is expected to experience significant growth as a result of applanation tonometry's tendency to overestimate IOP compared to handheld rebound tonometry.

The rising number of glaucoma screening programs

A rise in glaucoma screening programs planned by the commercial, semi-public, and public healthcare sectors is anticipated to promote tonometer industry development throughout the projected period. The need for tonometers is driven by the growth in knowledge of glaucoma and its effects on vision brought on by the growing number of eye checkup camps.

Increased eye screening programs are also anticipated to promote tonometer market growth. For instance, Vision 2020: The Right to Sight - India conducted a national conference on community ophthalmology and held free eye screening clinics to provide a platform for eye care practices and their successful administration.

Desktop tonometers are expected to grow

IOP is measured using desktop tonometers like the Dynamic Contour Tonometer (DCT) and Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA), which are not reliant on the biochemical characteristics of the cornea. The tonometer market is anticipated to develop as more eye procedures including keratoplasty, glaucoma, cataract, and other refractive operations are performed. 

To effectively treat these diseases and save on future medical expenses, IOP measurements are being accompanied by a thorough analysis of the cornea's biomechanical features. Commercially available portable tonometers include rebound tonometers, Perkins tonometers, and tono-pens. Throughout the forecast period, factors such as the portable tonometer's portability, ease of use, and improved patient comfort are anticipated to propel the tonometer market growth.

Greater patient understanding of the early diagnosis

The tonometer market is expected to be driven by increased patient awareness of early diagnosis and routine intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring to prevent unnecessary vision loss. If beneficial payment rules are put in place, tonometer use in hospitals and clinics is anticipated to increase. 

For instance, the cost of both simple and complex tonometers, such as the Pascal dynamic contour tonometer, is covered by insurance carrier United Healthcare in the United States under Category III CPT 0198T.

It is projected that the North American tonometer market will expand.

North America is predicted to dominate the tonometer market during the forecast period. The tonometer market is expanding as a result of the existence of large businesses, the high rate of glaucoma in the region, and the established healthcare system. 

For example, according to a report released by the Ministry of Health in Mexico in November 2022, it is estimated that there are 1.5 million individuals living with glaucoma in Mexico in the same year. This condition is predominantly observed in individuals aged 60 and above. Furthermore, the most prevalent form of glaucoma in Mexico is reported to be open-angle primary glaucoma. Consequently, the substantial prevalence of glaucoma cases in the country leads to an increased demand for tonometers, which is expected to drive significant market growth throughout the projected period.

Growth in the number of research collaborations as well as supportive government initiatives are some other factors projected to fuel the tonometer industry expansion. The United States is anticipated to hold the highest share in this tonometer market as a result of beneficial healthcare laws, a sizable patient base, and an established healthcare industry.

Market Key Developments

• In May 2023, The Tono-Vera® Tonometer with ActiViewTM Positioning System was launched by Reichert Technologies, a division of AMETEK, Inc., a pioneer in the field of eye care diagnostic equipment.
• In April 2023, NIDEK responded to the market's growing demand for tonometer and ensured NIDEK's dependability by introducing the NT-1/1e Non-Contact Tonometer without a pachymetry feature.
• In March 2022, iCare Home2, the Self-tonometer was approved by FDA. IOP readings are being collected with the iCare Home2 even while a patient is lying down.

Segmentation:

By Technology

• Applanation Tonometry
• Indentation Tonometry
• Rebound Tonometry
• Other Technologies

By Portability Type

• Desktop
• Handheld

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Ophthalmic Centers

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others