Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices market seen reaching $3.47 billion by 2030

The ophthalmic viscoelastic devices market is projected to grow from $2.72 billion in 2025 to $3.47 billion by 2030, driven by rising eye surgeries, aging populations and demand for safer procedures. North America led the market in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region.

Why it matters: - Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices help make eye surgery safer by protecting tissues and maintaining space inside the eye. - Rising surgical volumes and demand for better outcomes are supporting market growth across cataract, corneal transplant and retinal procedures. - The market outlook points to stronger demand for advanced materials and minimally invasive techniques.

What happened: - The Business Research Company said the global ophthalmic viscoelastic devices market is expected to rise from $2.72 billion in 2025 to $2.85 billion in 2026. - The company forecast the market will reach $3.47 billion by 2030. - The projected compound annual growth rate is 4.7% for 2025 to 2026 and 5.1% through 2030. - The report was published Aug. 20, 2026, from London. - The company also posted a free sample report and the full market report.

The details: - Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices, or OVDs, are gel-like substances used during certain eye surgeries. - OVDs create and maintain space inside the eye, protect intraocular tissues and help surgeons maneuver instruments. - The devices are typically transparent, viscous and elastic, and are designed to mimic natural eye fluids. - Historical growth has been driven by more cataract surgeries, an aging global population, wider use of intraocular surgical techniques, more ophthalmology clinics and better access to eye care. - Future growth is tied to demand for superior surgical outcomes, efforts to reduce complications, more advanced ophthalmic surgery centers, higher eye care investment and adoption of new viscoelastic materials. - Expected product trends include advanced viscoelastic formulations, dual-property devices, stronger tissue protection, minimally invasive eye surgery and improved shelf stability and biocompatibility. - The report says North America held the largest market share in 2025. - The report says Asia-Pacific will be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. - Coverage spans Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The 2026 report package includes market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technologies and future trend analysis.

Between the lines: - Cataract surgery is a major demand driver because it is already a large share of overall surgery volume in the UK and is still projected to climb. - NHS England said in May 2023 that cataract surgery accounted for 6% of all surgical procedures performed annually in the UK, with more than 450,000 operations each year. - NHS England projected cataract surgeries would rise 25% by 2027 and 50% by 2035. - The market's growth rate is steady rather than explosive, which suggests a mature but expanding segment tied to broader eye-care capacity.

What's next: - Market growth will likely track surgical volumes, especially in cataract care and other procedures that rely on OVDs. - Adoption of newer viscoelastic formulations and dual-property devices may shape product competition through 2030. - Investment in eye-care infrastructure and advanced surgery centers should remain a key demand driver.

The bottom line: - Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices are set for steady expansion as global eye surgery volumes rise and hospitals push for safer, more precise procedures.