South Korea Intraocular Lenses Market By Material

Growth Outlook

• The South Korea Intraocular Lenses Market By Material market is on a steady long-term growth path. Segment value stands at roughly USD 125 Mn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 132 Mn by 2027 — a gain of about 6% over the forecast period, translating to a CAGR in the mid-single digits.
• What the regional split looks like (2026): Hydrophobic Acrylic IOLs leads, holding roughly 38% of segment value — the single largest regional share. Hydrophilic Acrylic IOLs is the second-largest contributor. Polymethylmeth- acrylate (PMMA) IOLs and Others make up the remainder, in descending order.
• By 2027, Hydrophobic Acrylic IOLs alone is expected to reach USD 51 Mn, with Hydrophilic Acrylic IOLs at USD 38 Mn.

Market Dynamics

The demand for intraocular lenses in South Korea has been steadily increasing over the years, with various factors contributing to this trend. One of the main drivers of this demand is the rising prevalence of cataract and other eye diseases among the aging population in the country. According to a report by the OECD, South Korea has the highest percentage of elderly population in the world, with more than 14% of the total population being over the age of 65. This has led to a significant increase in the number of cataract surgeries, which in turn has fuelled the demand for intraocular lenses.

Another factor driving this demand is the growing awareness about the benefits of using intraocular lenses over traditional contact lenses or glasses. Intraocular lenses offer better visual acuity, improved flexibility, and reduced risk of eye infections, making them a popular choice among the population. Moreover, advancements in technology have made it possible to customize intraocular lenses according to the specific needs of each patient, which has further increased their demand.

In terms of material, there has been a shift towards the use of premium materials such as silicone and acrylic in the production of intraocular lenses. These materials offer superior optical properties and are also more durable compared to earlier materials like polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This has led to a higher demand for premium intraocular lenses, particularly among those with higher purchasing power.

The demand for intraocular lenses is not limited to cataract surgeries alone. With the increasing popularity of refractive surgeries such as LASIK and SMILE, there is a growing demand for multifocal and toric intraocular lenses for correcting presbyopia and astigmatism. This has led to the development of more advanced and innovative intraocular lens designs, further boosting the demand for these products.

There is also a growing trend towards medical tourism in South Korea, with the country being one of the top destinations for medical procedures. This has led to an increase in the number of patients from other countries seeking cataract surgery and other eye treatments in South Korea, thereby expanding the market for intraocular lenses.

In conclusion, the demand for intraocular lenses in South Korea is expected to continue growing in the coming years due to the aging population, increasing awareness about the benefits of these lenses, advancements in technology, and growing medical tourism. This presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers in the market to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the population and further drive the growth of this market segment.