Clinical Report: The Growth Potential of Refractive Surgery for Myopia

Overview

The refractive surgery market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing prevalence of myopia. A diverse range of surgical options, including LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and lens-based procedures, is essential for addressing patient needs and preferences.

Background

Myopia is the leading cause of visual impairment globally, affecting approximately 4% of the U.S. population. The rise in myopia cases is attributed to factors such as increased near work and digital screen usage, urbanization, and lifestyle changes. Understanding the growth potential of refractive surgery is crucial for healthcare professionals to meet the evolving demands of patients seeking vision correction.

Data Highlights

The refractive surgery devices market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2024 to 2034, reaching an absolute dollar opportunity of $312.3 million worldwide.

Key Findings

• Myopia prevalence is increasing, necessitating a variety of refractive surgery options.
• Patients with -3.00 to -10.00 D of myopia are typically candidates for various procedures.
• LASIK, PRK, and SMILE are effective for moderate to high myopia and hyperopia.
• Lens-based options like ICL and RLE provide tailored solutions for specific patient profiles.
• Patient education and selection are critical for successful outcomes in refractive surgery.

Clinical Implications

Surgeons should offer a comprehensive range of refractive procedures to accommodate diverse patient needs and preferences. Effective patient education and counseling are essential for guiding patients in their decision-making process regarding refractive surgery options.

Conclusion

The growth potential of refractive surgery for myopia presents significant opportunities for healthcare providers. By adapting to patient needs and offering a variety of procedures, practitioners can enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes.

References

1. Contact Lens Spectrum, What's New in Refractive Surgery, 1998 -- Overview of refractive surgery advancements
2. Ophthalmology Management, The Changing Face of Refractive Surgery, 2000 -- Discussion on innovations in refractive surgery
3. Ophthalmology Management, A 30,000-foot view of refractive’s future, 2018 -- Insights into the future of refractive surgery
4. Corneal Physician, Refractive Options When Faced with Corneal Limitation, 2024 -- Analysis of refractive options in corneal limitations
5. Evaluating the Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases Agreements Reached on Subclinical Keratoconus - ScienceDirect, 2025 -- Importance of screening in refractive surgery
6. The efficacy, safety and predictability in transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy versus LASIK/SMILE: A meta-analysis, 2026 -- Comparative outcomes of laser procedures
7. Evaluating the Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases Agreements Reached on Subclinical Keratoconus - ScienceDirect
8. The efficacy, safety and predictability in transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy versus LASIK/SMILE: A meta-analysis - Alexandra Serfözö, Yaser Abu Dail, Cristian Munteanu, Zamira Hoxha, Berthold Seitz, Loay Daas, 2026
9. Three Year Results from the United States FDA Prospective Multicenter Clinical Study of the EVO/EVO+ Implantable Collamer Lens - PMC