Market Trends of Tonometer Industry
Applanation Tonometry Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market Over the Forecast Period
The applanation tonometry test measures the fluid pressure in the eye. The test involves using a slit lamp equipped with forehead and chin supports and a tiny, flat-tipped cone that gently comes into contact with the patient's cornea. The test essentially measures the amount of force needed to flatten a part of the cornea temporarily. It is used in the diagnosis of glaucoma.
In applanation tonometry, the cornea is flattened, and the IOP is determined by varying the applanating force or the area flattened. There are three types of applanation tonometers: Goldmann applanation tonometer, non-contact tonometer, and ocular response analyzer. The advantages of applanation tonometry include its almost universal acceptance as the clinical standard method of IOP assessment, ease of use from the technician’s perspective, and acceptability for most patients. Apart from the advantages of the applanation tonometer, the factor boosting the segment growth is the increasing glaucoma prevalence, fueled by the increasing geriatric population and the diabetic population who are more prone to glaucoma.
Furthermore, the comparative studies of applanation tonometry with other tonometry devices are expected to increase the demand for applanation tonometry due to its efficiency in the diagnosis of glaucoma. For instance, according to research published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology in August 2022, handheld rebound tonometry devices tend to underestimate intraocular pressure (IOP) compared with applanation tonometry. Underestimating IOP with handheld rebound tonometry can contribute to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of glaucoma, leading to irreversible vision loss from glaucoma. Hence, the overestimation of IOP of applanation tonometry compared to handheld rebound tonometry is expected to have significant growth in the market over the study period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market Over the Forecast Period
North America is expected to have significant growth in the overall market throughout the forecast period. In this region, the United States is anticipated to have the maximum share due to supportive healthcare policies, the high number of patients, and a developed healthcare market. The market growth is due to factors such as the presence of key players, the high prevalence of glaucoma in the region, and the established healthcare infrastructure. The beneficial government initiatives and an increase in the number of research partnerships are some of the factors expected to drive market growth.
For instance, as per the report published by the Ministry of Health, Mexico, in March 2022, the number of people suffering from glaucoma in Mexico is estimated to be 1.5 million in 2022. It is most common in people over 60 years of age. In addition, the most common type of glaucoma seen in Mexico is reported to be open-angle primary. Thus, the high burden of glaucoma cases in the country increases the demand for tonometers which is expected to have significant growth in the market over the forecast period.
Moreover, recent product approvals and launches, a growing number of optometrists, and increasing awareness regarding available treatment options are fueling the market growth. For instance, in March 2022, Icare received 510(k) clearance from the United States FDA for their next-generation self-tonometer, the iCare HOME2. The iCare HOME2 tonometer provides ease of use in measuring patients’ real-world IOP outside normal clinic hours to help support glaucoma management. These new product approvals increase the widespread applications, raise the demand for tonometers, and likely boost the market over the forecast period.
