Global Ophthalmic Ultrasound Devices Market to Reach US$820.5 Million by 2030

The global market for Ophthalmic Ultrasound Devices estimated at US$636.6 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$820.5 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Retinal Disorders Application, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.0% CAGR and reach US$82.9 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Other Applications segment is estimated at 5.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$173.4 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 7.7% CAGR

The Ophthalmic Ultrasound Devices market in the U.S. is estimated at US$173.4 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$166.6 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 7.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.8% and 3.3% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.5% CAGR.

Global Ophthalmic Ultrasound Devices Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Ophthalmic Ultrasound Devices Critical in Advanced Eye Diagnostics?

Ophthalmic ultrasound devices are indispensable tools in diagnosing and managing complex ocular pathologies that cannot be visualized through direct examination due to opacities in the cornea, lens, or vitreous body. These devices utilize high-frequency sound waves to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of intraocular structures, enabling detailed assessment of posterior segment diseases such as retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, intraocular tumors, and optic nerve abnormalities. B-scan ultrasonography remains the gold standard for evaluating opaque media scenarios, especially in emergency, surgical, and cataract-preoperative settings.

In addition to B-scans, A-scans are used for axial length measurement, essential for calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power before cataract surgery. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), a high-frequency modality, is used for anterior segment imaging, allowing detailed evaluation of the ciliary body, iris, angle structures, and anterior chamber. As the prevalence of ocular disorders increases globally, particularly among aging populations and diabetics, the need for portable, accurate, and high-resolution ultrasound devices is expanding across ophthalmic clinics, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers.

How Are Innovations in Ultrasound Technology Transforming Eye Imaging and Diagnostics?

Recent technological advancements in ophthalmic ultrasound systems have significantly improved image quality, workflow integration, and diagnostic accuracy. Digital B-scan systems now offer higher frame rates, real-time imaging, automated measurements, and zoom capabilities, enabling dynamic assessment of intraocular movements. Compact, handheld devices with USB or wireless connectivity are increasingly replacing bulky, console-based units in outpatient and field settings. These portable units provide ophthalmologists with greater flexibility, especially in high-patient-volume scenarios or during mobile screening camps.

UBM has advanced with the incorporation of 50 MHz and higher frequency probes that enable microscopic resolution of anterior segment structures, useful in glaucoma evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and anterior chamber depth studies. Integration with artificial intelligence (AI) for image enhancement and pathology recognition is an emerging frontier. Some systems now use AI algorithms to assist in differentiating between retinal detachments and posterior vitreous detachments or to quantify tumor dimensions more accurately. Furthermore, software upgrades allow seamless export of imaging data into electronic health record (EHR) systems, aiding longitudinal disease tracking and collaborative decision-making.

Multimodal ultrasound platforms are being developed to integrate A-scan, B-scan, and UBM into a single system, streamlining diagnostics and reducing the need for multiple standalone devices. In cataract surgery planning, the fusion of A-scan ultrasound biometry with optical coherence biometry provides cross-validation of axial length measurements, improving IOL power prediction in eyes with dense cataracts or high refractive errors. These hybrid approaches ensure comprehensive preoperative evaluation even in complex ocular anatomies.

Which Applications and Healthcare Settings Are Driving Demand and Utilization?

Ophthalmic ultrasound devices are utilized across multiple clinical settings including tertiary eye hospitals, general ophthalmology clinics, emergency rooms, and operating theaters. Their use is particularly critical in cases where the posterior segment of the eye is obscured-such as dense cataracts, hyphemas, or vitreous hemorrhages-making optical imaging ineffective. In such scenarios, ultrasound is often the only viable modality to detect retinal detachment, choroidal effusion, or foreign bodies.

Surgical ophthalmology relies on A-scan ultrasonography for accurate axial length measurements during IOL selection, especially for patients undergoing complex cataract procedures or secondary IOL implantations. Pediatric ophthalmology employs ultrasound to assess developmental anomalies, congenital cataracts, and posterior segment pathology in children where cooperation is limited. Glaucoma specialists use UBM to evaluate the anterior chamber angle and detect conditions like plateau iris or ciliary body cysts, particularly in angle-closure glaucoma.

Mobile eye care units and rural health outreach programs are increasingly adopting portable B-scan devices to extend diagnostic capabilities to underserved populations. This trend is particularly visible in emerging markets across Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, where access to tertiary diagnostic facilities is limited. The integration of tele-ophthalmology with ultrasound imaging enables remote consultation by retina specialists, improving the reach and timeliness of critical diagnoses.

What Are the Strategic Drivers Fueling Market Growth and Innovation?

The growth in the global ophthalmic ultrasound devices market is driven by the increasing burden of eye diseases, expanding geriatric population, and advancements in imaging technology. The global rise in diabetes prevalence is contributing to higher incidences of diabetic retinopathy and associated vitreoretinal complications-conditions for which B-scan ultrasound remains a frontline diagnostic tool when fundus visualization is impaired. Additionally, rising cataract surgery volumes globally are boosting demand for accurate A-scan biometry devices.

The shift towards outpatient and ambulatory surgical models is generating demand for compact, affordable, and user-friendly ultrasound systems. Portable devices with rechargeable batteries, touchscreen controls, and integrated software are enabling smaller clinics and vision centers to offer high-end diagnostics without the infrastructure burden of full-scale imaging departments. Moreover, value-based healthcare models and early intervention frameworks are promoting preventive and diagnostic tools that can delay or avert surgical interventions-positioning ultrasound as a core screening modality.

From a regulatory standpoint, increasing approvals from bodies like the FDA and CE for advanced ultrasound devices with AI features and cloud connectivity are expanding their market acceptance. Public-private partnerships and vision health programs sponsored by NGOs and government agencies are also creating procurement opportunities for mobile units and training deployments in low-income regions.

Leading players such as Ellex Medical Lasers, Quantel Medical, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Nidek, Optos, and DGH Technology are focusing on product miniaturization, software enrichment, and strategic distribution partnerships. As healthcare systems pivot toward accessibility, early detection, and technology-enabled diagnosis, ophthalmic ultrasound will remain integral to managing the growing spectrum of vision-threatening conditions.