The Artificial Retina Market has emerged as a transformative force in the field of medical technology, offering hope and improved vision for individuals affected by retinal disorders. This market revolves around the development and commercialization of artificial retinas, also known as retinal implants, designed to restore vision in people with conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
One of the key drivers behind the growth of the Artificial Retina Market is the rising prevalence of retinal disorders globally. As the aging population increases and lifestyle factors contribute to retinal diseases, the demand for innovative solutions like artificial retinas has surged. These devices aim to bypass damaged or non-functional photoreceptor cells in the retina by converting light into electrical signals that stimulate the remaining viable retinal cells, thereby restoring partial vision.
Technological advancements play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the Artificial Retina Market. Ongoing research and development efforts have led to the creation of more sophisticated and efficient retinal implants. Manufacturers are investing heavily in enhancing the resolution, sensitivity, and overall performance of artificial retinas to provide users with a more natural and immersive visual experience. Additionally, improvements in materials and surgical techniques contribute to the increased success rates and longevity of these implants.
Collaborations between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry players have accelerated the pace of innovation in the Artificial Retina Market. Multidisciplinary approaches, combining expertise in ophthalmology, engineering, and neurology, have paved the way for groundbreaking developments. These partnerships facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries into viable commercial products, bringing artificial retinas from the lab to the market and, ultimately, to the patients in need.
Despite the significant progress, challenges persist in the Artificial Retina Market. The high cost associated with the development, production, and implantation of these devices remains a barrier for widespread adoption. Additionally, regulatory hurdles and ethical considerations related to human trials and long-term effects pose challenges for market players. Overcoming these obstacles requires continued collaboration, investment, and a commitment to advancing both the technological and ethical aspects of artificial retinas.
The global market for artificial retinas is characterized by the presence of key players at the forefront of innovation. These companies are engaged in continuous research and development activities to stay competitive and expand their product portfolios. As the market evolves, strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are likely to reshape the competitive landscape, fostering growth and fostering a more integrated approach to addressing the complex challenges in the field.
Artificial Retina Implant Market size was valued at USD 1.51 billion in 2025. The Artificial Retina Implant industry is projected to grow from USD 1.92 billion in 2026 to USD 7.04 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.22% during the forecast period (2026 - 2032).
The factors that are driving the growth of the global market are increasing incidences of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa and growing number of startups associated with artificial retina implants.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
RetinAI has teamed up with Boehringer Ingelheim in April 2023 to develop methods for identifying and treating geographic atrophy with artificial intelligence (AI). By so doing, this partnership may transform the treatment of patients by personalizing it according to each patient’s unique case.
Nidek Co., Ltd., a prominent eye-care products provider, bought 90% shares of Nidek Medical S.R.L, an ophthalmic devices sales and service company, during July 2022.
Bionic Vision Technologies, a known name in the field of artificial retina technology, announced an important partnership with Cirtec Medical – a leading medical technology company headquartered in the United States, in September 2021. The combined effort through such collaboration will ease the design process, enabling joint production for next bionic eye generation. With access to Cirtec Medical’s knowledge base and resources, Bionic Vision Technologies want to improve its innovative bionic eye technology towards better vision solution for those suffering from visual impairments.
In March 2021, Second Sight Medical Products Inc.’s Argus II system was given approval for sale as a new version called Argus 2s Retinal Prosthesis System by the U.S Food and Drugs Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Upgraded versions of the same include glasses and video processing unit as well as other external hardware components like these used in Argus II system called Argus 2s. The endorsement also permits utilization of Argus 2s system that works alongside previous implanted Argus II systems on patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Both devices, Argus 2s and Argus II, have also been exempted from premarket approval under humanitarian device exemption program (HDE) and thus are likely to be used for addressing the needs of RP patients.
The increasing prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa is significantly driving the artificial retina market. AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affects millions worldwide, and its prevalence is expected to rise as populations age. Because conventional AMD treatment options usually have limited efficacy, there is an increasing demand for novel solutions to restore vision in affected individuals. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19.8 million Americans aged 40 and older were living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2019. Furthermore, the University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Tübingen reported that there were 500,000 people suffering from AMD in Germany in 2021. Moreover, LambdaVision, Inc. (US) stated that nearly 1.5 million people were living with retinitis pigmentosa until January 2024. Artificial retina implants are a promising option for these patients, as they provide a way to bypass damaged retinal cells and partially restore visual function.
Further, the growing number of startups associated with artificial retina implant technology is playing a pivotal role in fueling the growth of the artificial retina market during the forecast period. These startups bring fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and entrepreneurial drive to the development and commercialization of artificial retina implants. With a focus on agility, flexibility, and disruptive innovation, startups are driving rapid advancements in technology, including miniaturization, improved biocompatibility, enhanced electrode designs, and wireless communication capabilities. For instance, LambdaVision, Inc. (US) was founded in 2009 and is involved in designing and developing a protein-based artificial retina that uses light-activated protein in order to restore functional sight. Moreover, Retina Implant (Germany) was founded in 2003 and focuses on subretinal implant technology. The company claims that it is the first to have a fully functional electronic retinal prosthesis to restores partial sight to the blind.
As a result, the rising prevalence of AMD and retinitis pigmentosa has prompted increased research, development, and adoption of artificial retina technologies, propelling the market's growth as a critical frontier in vision restoration for those suffering from this debilitating condition. Furthermore, the proliferation of startups promotes competition, which drives innovation and lowers costs, ultimately improving the affordability and accessibility of artificial retina implants for patients worldwide.
Based on product type, the Artificial Retina Market is segmented into epiretinal implants, subretinal implants, and suprachoroidal implants. The segmented suprachoroidal implants held the largest market in 2025 due to their advantages, such as the potential to reduce surgical complexity and decrease the chances of damage to retinal structures during implantation. Further, subretinal implants are the fastest-growing during the forecast period due to ongoing research and development in order to develop innovative products.
Based on application, the Artificial Retina Market has been segmented into age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa held the largest market share in 2025 and are anticipated to register the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2032 owing to the growing geriatric population, increasing technological advancements, and rising awareness and diagnosis.
FIGURE 2: ARTIFICIAL RETINA IMPLANT MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE, 2025 & 2032 (USD BILLION)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
By region, the study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American artificial retina implant market accounted for the largest market share of over 50.12% in 2025, owing to the increasing incidences of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the presence of implant products with the Food Drug Administration (FDA). For instance, Argus II is a product available in the United States with the approval of the FDA.
FIGURE 3: ARTIFICIAL RETINA IMPLANT MARKET, BY REGION, 2025 & 2032 (USD BILLION)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe artificial retina implant market shows significant growth during the forecast year, i.e., 2025–2026, owing to the frequently strategic alliances through market players to fulfill the demand of consumers. For instance, in July 2022, Pixium Vision (France) announced successful implantation of first patient in the Netherlands in Prima System European pivotal trial PRIMAvera. Pixium Vision has since established additional clinical sites and implanted patients in Germany as well as the UK.
The Asia-Pacific artificial retina implant market is the fastest-growing region during the forecast period owing to growing geriatric population across the Asia-Pacific region which will hugely contribute to the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, as per the Asia-Pacific Report on Population Ageing 2022, there were approximately 670 million people aged 60 or older in Asia-Pacific in 2022. Also, it has been estimated that the number will double to approximately 1.3 billion people by 2050 in Asia-Pacific.
The artificial retina market is distinguished by the presence of numerous global, regional, and local players catering to the artificial retina. Furthermore, the increasing incidences of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa and the growing number of startups associated with artificial retina implant is further driving the growth of artificial retina market during the forecast period. The major players have adopted a strategy of obtaining regulatory approval from government agencies for their products and signing contracts and agreements to broaden their reach.
Bionic Vision Technologies (Australia) is a privately held company based in Australia that specializes in creating visual prostheses aimed at restoring vision for those who are blind. These innovative devices work by electrically stimulating the remaining retinal cells in individuals with retinal degeneration. Their Bionic Eye System subretinal implant captures visual data with a miniature camera mounted on eyeglasses. Furthermore, in September 2021, the company Bionic Vision Technologies (BVT) has formed a strategic partnership with a leading US MedTech company, Cirtec Medical. Under the partnership, Cirtec has taken a strategic stake in BVT and will assist the Australian company to develop and manufacture its next generation bionic eye.
One of the most recent technologies is the epiretinal implant according to a report published in April 2022, which directly stimulates the inner layer of a retina bypassing damaged photoreceptors.
According to an article by National Library of Medicine published on August 2022, retinal dystrophy affects one out of every four thousand people born in America, thus making it the most prevalent hereditary ailment that affects retina.
In June 2020, LambdaVision, Inc. was selected by NASA for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award worth $750,000. With such support from NASA could help Lambdavision company develop its protein-based artificial retina.
Notably, products in this market gained significant momentum in 2020. It was an Alpha IMS implant approved by CE for use across Europe and has been developed by Retina Implant AG.
In 2022, another breakthrough product - the IRIS II implant, was released by Pixium Vision as it showed promising results during clinical trials.
In 2022, Nidek Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor firm involved in ophthalmic devices affairs, bought Nidek Medical S.R.L corporation and now owns equity shares amounting to 90%. This deal will ensure better collaboration between Nidek Medical and Nidek, thereby boosting their performance.
In 2021, Bionic Vision Technologies announced its partnership with Cirtec Medical Company, which is situated in the USA, to bring about an advanced bionic eye system.
Additionally, the Argus II retinal implant from Second Sight Medical Products was granted FDA approval in 2020 for use in the US. This implant allows some sight to be restored by using a camera and electrode array to stimulate the retina.
Furthermore, through recent collaborations innovation has been accelerated in the artificial retina market. For example, The University of California San Diego teamed up with Nanovision Biosciences which is a start-up company that specializes in nanotechnology retinal implants made in 2022.
September 2021: Bionic Vision Technologies (US) has formed a strategic partnership with a leading US MedTech company, Cirtec Medical. Under the partnership, Cirtec has taken a strategic stake in BVT and will assist the Australian company to develop and manufacture its next generation bionic eye.
August 2022: Second Sight Medical Products Inc. (US) announced the completion of its merger with Nano Precision Medical Inc. (US) and the name change to Vivani Medical, Inc.
July 2022: Pixium Vision announces successful implantation of first patient in the Netherlands in Prima System European pivotal trial PRIMAvera. Pixium Vision has since established additional clinical sites and implanted patients in Germany as well as the UK.
© 2024 Market Research Future ® (Part of WantStats Reasearch And Media Pvt. Ltd.)