Tonometer Market Assessment, By Type [Direct Tonometer, Indirect Tonometer], By Technology [Applanation Tonometry, Indentation Tonometry, Rebound Tonometry, Others], By Modality [Desktop, Handheld], By End-user [Hospitals and Clinics, Ophthalmic Centers,

Tonometer Market Assessment, By Type [Direct Tonometer, Indirect Tonometer], By Technology [Applanation Tonometry, Indentation Tonometry, Rebound Tonometry, Others], By Modality [Desktop, Handheld], By End-user [Hospitals and Clinics, Ophthalmic Centers, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global tonometer market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.08% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 303.8 million in 2023 to USD 487.14 million in 2031. Growth in the global tonometer market is driven by an increase in the prevalence of eye diseases such as glaucoma, rapid technological advancements, and significant growth in the ophthalmic industry. Increased governmental support, policies, and programs, increased investments by leading players to develop highly efficient tonometer, along with supportive regulatory framework and collaborative ventures between the related firms further promote the growth of the global tonometer market.

The global tonometer market is consistently undergoing robust growth due to an increase in the prevalence of glaucoma worldwide. As glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss, the early detection of this disease is a top priority for healthcare providers. Tonometers play a crucial role in detecting glaucoma and assessing the effectiveness of provided treatment among the population affected by this disease. With the growing cases of glaucoma, there is an increased demand for tonometers due to which many leading players are continuously involved in launching innovative and efficient tonometers in their ophthalmic care product portfolio, which is further propelling the growth of the global tonometer market.

Technological advancements, such as the development of highly advanced and sophisticated digital and handheld tonometers, to improve eye examination and glaucoma diagnosis processes are positively influencing the market growth. A favorable regulatory framework and increased governmental support through funds for research and development and policies and programs to accelerate glaucoma screening among the population, especially in remote areas, have led to the growth of the global tonometer market. Moreover, increased collaboration activities, such as mergers and acquisitions, partnership agreements between the companies, and the entrance of start-ups in this market, further propel the global tonometer market.

For instance, BVS Sight Inc., is a start-up that develops ophthalmic devices such as tonometers and contact lenses. The company was created through a partnership between Boomerang Ventures Studio, Purdue Foundry, and the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology. These consistent entrances of start-ups bring technological advancements in the industry and lead to growth in the global tonometer market.

Increasing Prevalence of Glaucoma

The demand for tonometers is increasing significantly due to the rising number of glaucoma cases worldwide. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally as it causes irreversible vision loss. A tonometer is widely used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) and helps in detecting changes in eye pressure, which further assists in the diagnosis of glaucoma. According to an article published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, the prevalence of glaucoma is rapidly increasing, and it is expected that by the year 2040, the number of people affected by glaucoma will increase to 112 million. Due to this growing prevalence, leading companies are frequently involved in investments to enhance research and development to bring technologically advanced and efficient tonometers that can assist in accurate and timely diagnosis of this disease. Moreover, governments from all over the world are implementing policies and programs to provide eye health screening programs to accelerate the early detection process of glaucoma. Due to this, the demand for tonometers across the world is increasing significantly.

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements in developing advanced tonometers play a crucial role in escalating the growth of the global tonometer market. Technological advancements, such as the development of highly efficient, compact, and sophisticated tonometers, that can lead to painless eye screening are boosting the growth of the global tonometer market. Additionally, leading players in the market are continuously involved in research and development to bring more technically advanced products into their product portfolio that can play a major role in combating the growing prevalence of glaucoma among the global population. For instance, in January 2024, DevelopAll Inc., which is a New York-based firm, announced the launch of its latest innovative product the “Diaton digital tonometer”. This latest launch is a compact, handheld trans-palpebral and transscleral tonometry instrument that is expected to bring significant advancements in the ophthalmic industry, as it addresses the limitations of traditional IOP measurement techniques and measures the IOP through the eyelid, bypassing the cornea, which, in turn, improves accuracy in glaucoma screening and avoids keratoconus condition. Diaton digital tonometer doesn’t need anesthesia, sterilization, or any consumables, hence enhancing patients’ comfort. These innovative technological advancements are accelerating the global tonometer market growth.

Increased Demand for Indirect Tonometers

Among the different types of tonometers, indirect tonometers are expected to show significant growth in the global tonometer market. Indirect tonometers don’t require anesthesia as there is no direct contact of the device with the cornea for measuring the IOP values. As this process is painless, it improves patient comfort and leads to increased demand for indirect tonometers as compared to direct tonometers. Due to this, many companies are focusing on developing indirect tonometers with enhanced efficiency, which is further escalating the growth of the global tonometer market. For instance, in April 2023, NIDEK CO., LTD., which is a global leader in ophthalmic care devices, announced the successful launch of the “NT-1/1e indirect tonometer”. This tonometer provides complete automated measurements with enhanced patient safety and consists of voice guidance that facilitates smooth and correct measurement of IOP values. These innovative developments by key market players are accelerating the growth of the global tonometer market.

Increased Demand for Handheld Tonometers

Among the modality segment, the application of handheld tonometer is expected to show tremendous growth in the forecasted period. Handheld tonometers have a higher demand compared to desktop tonometers as they offer portability and ease of use. As it is convenient to use and portable by nature, these are widely used in screening programs in remote areas. Due to its wide areas of application and growing demand among healthcare providers, leading players are involved in developing innovative and efficient handheld tonometers in their product portfolio. For instance, in May 2023, Reichert Technologies, which is a global leader in manufacturing diagnostic devices for eye care, announced the launch of the “Tono-Vera Tonometer”. This consists of an “actiView positioning system”, that helps in faster, more reliable, and accurate IOP measurements. This new tonometer uses rebound tonometer technology for measuring IOP and doesn’t require the use of topical anesthetic. With these efficient and innovative launches by the leading players, the global tonometer market is expected to flourish in the future.

North America Holds Significant Market Share

North America dominates the global tonometer market, due to its robust healthcare infrastructure and availability of technologically advanced glaucoma detection devices such as digital tonometer. The growing prevalence of glaucoma disease in the United States is acting as a crucial factor in accelerating the market growth in the region. For instance, the “2023 Glaucoma Report” states that around three million people in the United States are affected by glaucoma disease and this prevalence is expected to rise in the future as well. The public is highly aware regarding the potential benefits of early diagnosis and screening for glaucoma to prevent irreversible vision loss among the population, which is creating a substantial demand for tonometers. Additionally, increased research and development initiatives, along with increased investments by leading players in launching innovative tonometers and the presence of global leaders like Reichert, Inc. and Kowa American Corporation, further accelerates the demand for the global tonometer market.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The global tonometer market is expected to grow in the future, primarily due to the rapidly increasing prevalence of glaucoma worldwide. The expanding ophthalmic industry, growing demand for handheld and indirect tonometers, technological advancements, and increased investments by public and private organizations in developing highly efficient tonometers to cater to evolving healthcare needs are anticipated to accelerate the market growth. Moreover, collaborative ventures, such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, frequent product launches, and increased FDA approvals by regulatory bodies, further lead to the growth of the global tonometer market. For Instance, in March 2022, Icare USA, which is a leading ophthalmic technology company, announced that it had received FDA approval for its latest product “iCare HOME2”. This is a next-generation self-tonometer, which has been developed for glaucoma patients to enhance remote monitoring. These frequent product launches, along with supportive regulatory frameworks, are expected to escalate the growth of this market in the forecasted period.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

In the tonometer market, both public and private firms are consistently forming strategic partnerships and distribution agreements. These agreements play a crucial role in accelerating the global tonometer market's expansion. Such partnerships enable firms to gain in-depth insights into the market, strategically use each other's resources, markets, and technologies, and invest in research and development activities to bring innovation and advancements to the market. Distribution agreements allow companies to expand their market presence globally. These collaborative initiatives promote innovation and expertise in product development, which improves patient health outcomes and contributes to the enduring and robust growth of the global tonometer market.

For instance, in February 2023, NIDEK CO., LTD., which is a global leader in developing advanced ophthalmic devices, such as tonometers, announced a strategic partnership with HOYA Vision Care, which is a pioneer in developing innovative optical solutions. This strategic partnership will enable eye care professionals to gain access to highly efficient and innovative optical instruments, such as tonometers, to provide quality diagnostics facilities to the patient. These consistent collaborative ventures further support elevating the market globally.