Diabetic Retinopathy Market - Databook 2025 to 2034

The global diabetic retinopathy market size was estimated at USD 9.61 billion in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 17.91 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.42% from 2025 to 2034.

Highlights of the Diabetic Retinopathy Market

• North America dominated the global market in 2024.
• Europe is projected to host the fastest-growing market in the coming years.
• By type, the proliferative diabetic retinopathy segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024.
• By type, the non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024.
• By age group, the 40-49 segment accounted for a considerable share of the market in 2024.
• By age group, the 65-74 segment is projected to experience the highest growth rate in the market between 2025 and 2034.
• By management type, the anti-VEGF segment led the diabetic retinopathy market.
• By management type, the intracular steroid injection segment is set to experience the fastest rate of market growth from 2025 to 2034.
• By distribution channel, the hospitals and pharmacies segment maintained a leading position in the market in 2024.
• By distribution channel, the ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years.

Industry Valuation and Growth Rate Projection

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-induced eye condition that damages the retina’s blood vessels, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness. It progresses through stages, from non-proliferative to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Diagnosing retinopathy usually involves eye examinations conducted by healthcare providers, including tests such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Treatment options for this diabetes-based complication are anti-VEGF injections, laser surgery, corticosteroids, and vitrectomy. Advancements in teleophthalmology and artificial intelligence driven diagnostics are improving early detection and management, especially in underserved regions.

The diabetic retinopathy market addresses the growing need for effective diagnosis and treatment of diabetes-related retinal complications. It serves sectors including hospitals, phthalic clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and telemedicine platforms. The expansion in the diabetic retinopathy market is currently being driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes, an aging population, and technological innovations in retinal imaging and artificial intelligence-diagnostics. The rising number of diabetes cases increases risks of comorbidities such as diabetic retinopathy, necessitating effective management solutions. Innovations in diagnostic imaging and AI-driven tools improve early detection and treatment efficacy, propelling market growth.

Diabetic Retinopathy Market: Stats and Figures

• As of 2020, approximately 103 million adults worldwide were living with diabetic retinopathy, a number projected to rise to 160.5 million by 2045, marking a 55.7% increase.
• In 2021, an estimated 9.6 million people in the initiated States had DR, with 1.84 million experiencing vision-threatening stages of the disease.
• Non-Hispanic Black individuals in the U.S. exhibited the highest prevalence rates of DR at 3.26% and vision-threatening DR at 1.11%, compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
• The prevalence of DR among people with diabetes varied by state, ranging from 20.8% in Nevada to 31.3% in Massachusetts.
• A new AI-powered screening system by AEYE Health reduces DR diagnosis time to a minute using a handheld camera, without the need for a physician, and is currently in use across hundreds of locations in the U.S.

How AI has Benefited the Diabetic Retinopathy Market

• Artificial intelligence-based algorithms are widely used in several biotechnology applications, particularly those using convolutional neural networks, have been developed to automatically detect characteristic lesions such as micro aneurysms and retinal haemorrhages with diabetic retinopathy. This automation improves rate and accuracy of diagnosis in cases of diabetic retinopathy.
• The integration of AI into diabetic retinopathy screening processes allows for rapid analysis of retinal images, facilitating quicker decision-making and enabling timely intervention, These interventions are very important for preventing vision loss and improve patient outcomes.
• AI-powered screening tools can be deployed in remote or resource-limited settings, providing essential diagnostic services where access to ophthalmologists is scarce, thereby increasing the accessibility of eye care services.
• By accurately assessing the severity of diabetic retinopathy, AI systems assist healthcare providers in tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient needs, improving the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention.

Industry Leader Announcements

• Dr. Zack Dvey-Aharon, PhD, CEO of AEYE Health, highlighted the transformative potential of their AI-powered screening system.

“Our technology recues diabetic retinopathy diagnosis to a minute using a handheld camera, without the need for a physician. This innovation aims to prevent blindness on a massive scale.”

• Dr. Lily Peng, a lead researcher at Google Health, emphasized the role of AI in expanding access to eye care.

“AI has the potential to bring high-quality screening to areas where specialists are scarce, enabling early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Geographical Insights

North America

North America made up a large share of the diabetic retinopahty market in 2024. This dominance is attributed to firms in the region embracing technological advacements, along with a comparatively well-developed healthcare infrastructure. High budgetary healthcare allocations, the presence of several biomedical firms and following research are leading to growth in the space. Coupled with higher disposable income and heightened health awareness among the population have also led to expansion of the market. Additionally, the rising prevalence of diabetes, influenced by unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles, has elevated the risk of diabetic retinopathy, further boosting the market in this region.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the diabetic retinopathy market during the forecast period. This surge is due to increasing healthcare development and technological innovations in the medical industry. The region has a larger number of aged individuals with diabetic retinopathy and driving market demand.

China

Within the Asia Pacific region, China emerges as a significant contributor to the diabetic retinopathy market. The country’s large diabetic population. Coupled with advancements in healthcare infrastructure and increased awareness about diabetic complications, it positions itself as a leader in this sector. Government initiatives and investments in healthcare technologies further bolster China’s role in the market’s expansion.

Recent Developments in the Diabetic Retinopathy Market:

• In May 2024, Merck announced its plan to acquire EyeBio, a biotech firm specializing in retinal disease treatments, for up to $3 billion. This acquisition includes EyeBio’s promising drug candidate, resort, aimed at treating diabetic macular edema and nonvascular age-related macular degeneration. The move underscores Merck’s commitment to expanding its presence in the ophthalmology sector.
• AEYE Health, in collaboration with Optomed Oyj, received FDA clearance in May 2024 for their portable AI-based device designed to detect diabetic retinopathy. The Optomed Aurora handheld fundus camera utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze retinal images swiftly, enabling accessibility to early detection methods for diabetic patients.

Competitive Landscape

The diabetic retinopathy market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of established pharmaceutical giants and merging biotech firms. This structure fosters a competitive environment driven by continuous innovation, strategic collaboration, and a focus on expanding global reach.

• Company Name: Bayer AG
• Year of Incorporation: 1863
• Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany

Bayer AG is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and agriculture. In the diabetic retinopathy sector, Bauer offers treatments like anti-VEGF therapies. The company operates in over 90 countries and is actively involved in research to develop innovative ophthalmic products.

• Company Name: AbbVie Inc
• Year of Incorporation: 2013
• Headquarters: North Chicago, Illinois, USA

AbbVie is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company known for its commitment to addressing complex health issues. In ophthalmology, AbbVie focuses on developing therapies for retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy.

• Company Name: Novartis AG
• Year of Incorporation: 1996
• Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland

Novartis AG is a multinational pharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering new ways to improve and extend people’s lives.