Market Trends of France Ophthalmic Devices Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the France Ophthalmic Devices Market according to our research experts:
Contact Lenses Segment is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period
Contact lenses are thin, clear plastic disks used to improve vision. Contacts float on the tear film that covers the cornea. Like eyeglasses, contact lenses correct vision problems caused by RE. Due to factors such as the rising prevalence of myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, and presbyopia, increasing preference for contact lenses over prescription eyeglasses, and the growing geriatric population, contact lens use in France is expected to grow.
A multifactorial condition of the ocular surface known as dry eye disease (DED) is characterized by a loss of the tear film's equilibrium and is followed by ocular signs and symptoms such as corneal and conjunctival damage, patient discomfort, and visual impairment. An article 'Dry eye syndrome risk factors: A systemic review' published in February 2022 reported that DED is one of the most prevalent diagnoses in ophthalmology clinics in France and that the average cost of DED in France is USD 270,000. This cost of the disease shows a rise in eye disorders in the country. In addition, according to the article 'Influence of Face Masks on the Use of Contact Lenses' published in July 2021, the incidence of dry eye worldwide ranges between 5% and 50%, among contact lens wearers and non-wearers, but it is slightly higher in France which is at 39.2%.
In this context, as per the article 'Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses: A Complete Guide' published in March 2022, most people switch to silicone-based hydrogel lenses because these lenses don't let the water evaporate as quickly as other contact lenses do, which may reduce dry eye better than conventional hydrogel contacts. This burden of DED generates demand for the availability of silicon-based hydrogel contact lenses. Hence, the burden of DED is expected to drive the demand for contact lenses, which is further predicted to fuel the segment's growth.
Moreover, the 'Eye diseases and disorders' published by Foundation de France and updated in January 2022 stated that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment for people of age 50 and over in France. Thus, supporting research in the field of ophthalmology and in particular, the biology, physiology, and treatment of eye diseases has been increasing in the country recently. This is expected to create an opportunity for contact lens use in the country by the target population, driving segment growth.
Therefore, the segment is expected to witness growth over the analysis period due to the abovementioned factors.
