Diabetic Retinopathy Market to Reach USD 15.6 Billion by 2031 as AI Screening Expands Access

As diabetes rates climb globally, so does the burden of one of its most sight-threatening complications — and the market built around detecting and treating it is expanding accordingly. A new analysis of the Diabetic Retinopathy Market finds that global revenue is projected to grow from USD 7,759.0 million in 2024 to USD 15,631.4 million by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.52%. The market, valued at USD 7,070.7 million in 2023, is being shaped by an aging population, surging global diabetes prevalence, and a wave of technological innovation in both diagnostics and treatment.

Understanding the Condition Driving Market Growth

Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive eye condition caused by diabetes-related damage to the retina, and if left untreated, it can lead to significant vision loss. The market encompasses the full spectrum of care — from imaging devices used for early detection to therapeutic interventions including injections, laser treatments, and surgical procedures. Leading companies operating in this space include Bayer, AbbVie, Oxurion, Alimera Sciences, BCN Peptides, Genentech, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Kodiak Sciences, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Kowa Company.

The urgency behind this market is underscored by the sheer scale of the underlying disease. Recent global health data published in The Lancet found that more than 800 million adults worldwide now live with diabetes, a figure that highlights the enormous and growing need for effective diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment infrastructure.

An Aging Population Amplifies Risk

Age is one of the strongest risk factors for diabetic retinopathy, since prolonged exposure to elevated blood sugar levels compounds retinal damage over time. As the global population continues to age — with projections showing one in six people will be 60 or older by 2030, and the number of people aged 80 and above tripling to 426 million by 2050 — the pool of patients at risk for the condition is set to expand substantially. This demographic reality is a central driver behind rising demand for both diagnostic tools and effective long-term treatment options.

AI and Telemedicine Are Transforming Screening

Perhaps the most significant trend reshaping the diabetic retinopathy market is the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and telemedicine into the screening process. Teleophthalmology allows remote consultations and image sharing, enabling specialists to diagnose and monitor patients without requiring in-person visits — a capability that is especially valuable in rural or underserved regions where access to ophthalmologists is limited.

AI-powered diagnostic tools are accelerating this shift further by providing rapid, accurate analysis of retinal images, enabling earlier intervention and reducing the workload on healthcare professionals. One notable regulatory milestone came when an AI-based diabetic retinopathy screening system received approval as an autonomous diagnostic tool, paired with a portable retinal camera to enable efficient screening in a variety of clinical and even home settings. Separately, technology partnerships are emerging to develop cost-effective retinal cameras integrated with AI-powered vision software, aimed at making retinal scans more accessible within primary care settings and improving early diagnosis rates.

Portable Devices Extend Reach Into Underserved Areas

The rise of handheld and portable retinal imaging devices is significantly transforming how diabetic retinopathy screening reaches underserved populations. These compact, user-friendly devices allow healthcare professionals to conduct retinal exams in both clinical and remote settings, improving accessibility to timely diagnosis in rural and resource-limited areas. One manufacturer recently marked a major distribution milestone, delivering its 1,000th portable handheld retinal camera to healthcare providers across the United States — a tangible sign of how quickly this technology is scaling to meet demand.

Segmentation: Non-Proliferative Cases and Anti-VEGF Therapy Lead

By disease type, the market is divided into proliferative and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The non-proliferative segment led the market in 2023, reaching a valuation of roughly USD 3,838.1 million. As the earlier stage of the disease, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy management centers on timely detection and ongoing monitoring, driving robust demand for diagnostic tools including handheld retinal cameras, AI-powered screening platforms, and telemedicine services.

By management approach, anti-VEGF therapy secured the largest revenue share, at roughly 34.76% in 2023. These agents are widely used to treat both non-proliferative and proliferative forms of the disease by reducing retinal edema and abnormal blood vessel growth. As global diabetes prevalence continues climbing, demand for effective anti-VEGF treatment is expected to keep expanding, supported by advances in injection techniques and improved reimbursement frameworks.

By end user, hospitals and pharmacies are expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 10.58% through the forecast period, reflecting hospitals' central role in providing specialized diagnostic and treatment services, alongside pharmacies' growing involvement in medication distribution and patient education.

Rural Access Remains a Persistent Challenge

Despite technological progress, limited healthcare access in rural areas continues to constrain market growth, largely due to insufficient infrastructure and a shortage of trained ophthalmic specialists in these regions. Telemedicine and portable diagnostic tools are increasingly viewed as the most viable solution to this gap, enabling remote screening and specialist consultation without requiring patients to travel long distances. Collaborations between healthcare providers, local governments, and technology innovators are seen as essential to further closing this access gap and improving outcomes for underserved populations.

Regional Analysis: North America Leads, Asia-Pacific Set for Fastest Growth

North America held the largest share of the global diabetic retinopathy market in 2023, at roughly 34.46%, or approximately USD 2,436.3 million. This leadership position is reinforced by high diabetes prevalence, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and substantial investment in medical research and technology, alongside strong reimbursement policies supporting retinal screening and treatment access.

Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region, expanding at a CAGR of roughly 10.84% through 2031. Rising diabetes prevalence, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and growing health awareness are driving this growth, with countries such as China and India — home to enormous diabetic populations — seeing surging demand for affordable, accessible screening and treatment solutions, including telemedicine and portable diagnostics. Regional partnerships are also accelerating progress, including collaborations aimed at expanding AI-based glucose management platforms that deliver real-time data to improve broader diabetes care outcomes.

Regulatory Milestones Signal Market Maturity

The market has reached important regulatory milestones that underscore its growing sophistication. One AI-based diagnostic system became the first FDA-cleared solution of its kind capable of working across multiple retinal camera models, significantly expanding access to screening in primary care settings. This system has reportedly supported timely diagnosis for hundreds of thousands of patients globally, illustrating the tangible clinical impact that AI-enabled screening tools are beginning to deliver at scale.

Outlook

With a projected CAGR of 10.52% through 2031, the diabetic retinopathy market is positioned for sustained, technology-driven growth. As AI-powered screening tools, portable diagnostic devices, and telemedicine platforms continue to mature, the industry appears increasingly capable of addressing one of diabetes' most serious complications earlier and more accessibly than ever before — a shift that carries significant implications for patient outcomes worldwide.