Japan Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

Japan is stepping into a crucial decade in its fight against Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. According to Renub Research, the Japan Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Market is projected to reach US$ 897.79 million by 2033, rising from US$ 526.46 million in 2024, reflecting a CAGR of 6.11% from 2025 to 2033. As the nation with one of the highest proportions of elderly citizens globally, Japan faces a growing health challenge that is reshaping its pharmaceutical landscape, healthcare priorities, and diagnostic infrastructure.

From breakthroughs in imaging technologies and anti-VEGF injections to gene therapy and regenerative medicine research, Japan’s AMD market is undergoing transformative advancements—and fast. This editorial-style analysis explores what’s powering this momentum, the obstacles slowing it down, and how regional hubs across Japan are reinventing eye care for an aging society.

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Japan Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Overview

The surge in AMD prevalence is closely tied to one undeniable factor—Japan’s rapidly aging population. Nearly 30% of the Japanese population is already over 65, placing immense pressure on eye-care services. AMD, a progressive condition affecting the macula, is now one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness among older adults in the country. As longevity increases, so does the need for efficient, scalable systems for early detection, long-term monitoring, and specialized treatment.

Advanced Diagnostics Transforming Care

Japan is already home to one of the world’s most technologically advanced medical infrastructure systems. This is particularly evident in ophthalmology, where clinics and hospitals rely heavily on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), fundus imaging, and fluorescein angiography to detect AMD earlier and with superior accuracy. Adoption of diagnostic AI tools is beginning to enhance screening efficiency through automated retinal image analysis—essential for a nation where demand often outpaces specialist availability.

Cutting-Edge Therapeutics Fuel Market Growth

Japan’s AMD market is witnessing robust innovation. Pharmaceutical giants and emerging biotech players are aggressively developing:

Long-acting anti-VEGF agents

Regenerative therapies using iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells)

Gene therapies targeting wet and dry AMD

Combination therapies to reduce injection frequency

Novel drug-delivery methods aimed at longer durability

Support from Japanese regulators—known for high safety standards but increasingly fast-tracking breakthrough therapies—is accelerating the arrival of next-generation solutions.

Remaining Challenges

Despite these technological leaps, significant challenges persist:

High treatment costs and co-payments

Limited specialist availability in rural regions

Low public awareness of early AMD symptoms

Long-term adherence issues with repeated injections

Still, government-funded initiatives, telemedicine expansion, and public health campaigns are steadily improving awareness and access.

Key Factors Driving Japan’s AMD Market Growth

1. Rapidly Aging Population

Japan’s demographic shift remains the central catalyst for AMD market acceleration. With one of the world’s longest life expectancies, the risk pool for AMD is larger than ever. Healthcare providers are responding by:

Expanding ophthalmology departments

Increasing AMD screening programs

Prioritizing senior eye health in national policy

Integrating preventive eye-care strategies

The result is a market that continues to scale as demand rises.

2. Breakthroughs in Diagnostic Technologies

Innovation in imaging technologies is reshaping Japan’s AMD landscape:

OCT enables ultra-high-resolution retinal imaging

OCT angiography (OCTA) aids non-invasive vascular mapping

Fundus photography supports mass screening

AI-powered platforms facilitate remote diagnostics and triage

These tools not only improve early detection but also support more effective monitoring and tailored treatment plans. Tele-ophthalmology is becoming an important bridge for rural populations, helping reduce the urban healthcare concentration gap.

3. Launch of Innovative Medicines

Japan is seeing rapid growth in AMD therapeutics due to:

Expanding anti-VEGF therapy options such as Eylea, Lucentis, and Beovu

New investigational monoclonal antibodies

Regenerative medicine advancements, including iPSC-derived retinal cells

Gene therapy trials targeting genetic contributors to AMD

Longer-acting drug delivery systems aimed at reducing treatment burden

Accelerated regulatory pathways and strong collaboration between Japanese research institutions and global pharmaceutical firms are enabling faster launch timelines and improved treatment accessibility.

Challenges Hindering the Japan AMD Market

1. High Treatment Costs and Reimbursement Barriers

Even within Japan’s universal healthcare system, AMD treatment is costly. Anti-VEGF injections, typically administered monthly or bimonthly, accumulate substantial expenses. Gene therapy and regenerative techniques currently in development are expected to be even more expensive.

Patients often face:

High out-of-pocket co-payments

Delays in reimbursement approval

Limited insurance coverage for advanced treatments

This financial burden may cause treatment interruptions, affecting long-term outcomes.

2. Rural Accessibility and Lack of AMD Awareness

Japan’s urban healthcare systems are advanced, but rural regions continue to face:

Limited access to retina specialists

Fewer diagnostic facilities with advanced imaging tools

Lower awareness of AMD symptoms

Inconsistent follow-up and monitoring

Government-led digital health expansion, mobile eye-screening units, and telemedicine support are helping address these disparities, but gaps remain.

Regional Analysis: How Japan’s Key Cities Shape the AMD Market

Japan’s AMD care landscape varies across major regions, driven by differences in research infrastructure, hospital networks, and population age distribution.

Tokyo: The Innovation and Treatment Hub

Tokyo leads Japan in AMD-related healthcare infrastructure, with:

World-class hospitals and specialist clinics

Extensive diagnostic capabilities

Access to the latest anti-VEGF and gene therapies

High-density senior populations requiring continuous care

Its role as a global research hub ensures early access to clinical trials and state-of-the-art treatment innovations, solidifying its position as Japan’s AMD epicenter.

Kansai: A Powerhouse of Regenerative Medicine

Home to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, Kansai is pivotal due to:

Renowned research institutions

Pharmaceutical giants like Santen Pharmaceutical

Advanced iPSC-based regenerative medicine programs

Strong participation in AMD clinical trials

Kobe’s hospitals, in particular, are recognized for pioneering stem-cell therapies targeting retinal regeneration—placing Kansai at the forefront of long-term AMD treatment innovation.

Aichi (Nagoya): A Growing AMD Care Center

Aichi Prefecture is steadily emerging as a strong player in AMD care. The region benefits from:

Modern diagnostic infrastructure

Skilled ophthalmologists

Expanding access to anti-VEGF therapies

Increased emphasis on early detection and patient education

Though not yet a national R&D hub, Nagoya’s healthcare ecosystem is rapidly evolving and improving AMD service delivery.

Market Segmentations

Disease Type

Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Product

Eylea

Lucentis

Beovu

Others

Distribution Channel

Hospital Pharmacy

Specialty Pharma

Online Pharmacy

Cities

Tokyo

Kansai

Aichi

Kanagawa

Saitama

Hyogo

Chiba

Hokkaido

Fukuoka

Shizuoka

Company Analysis: Key Players Dominating the Japan AMD Market

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Bayer AG

AbbVie

GSK Plc

Novartis AG

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Bausch Health Companies Inc.

Alimera Sciences Inc.

Each company maintains a strong portfolio in ophthalmology and continues to invest in AMD-focused therapeutics, biosimilars, and drug-delivery innovation. Their contributions encompass:

Revenue analysis

SWOT assessments

New product launches

Research collaborations

Clinical trial advancements

Final Thoughts

The Japan Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) market stands at a pivotal moment. Driven by an aging population, world-leading diagnostic technologies, and promising advances in gene therapy and regenerative medicine, Japan is rapidly redefining the future of eye care. Yet, challenges such as high treatment costs, rural access disparities, and patient adherence continue to shape the industry’s trajectory.

By 2033, with the market expected to surpass US$ 897.79 million, the country is poised to become a global model for managing AMD through early detection, robust innovation, and targeted patient education. As Japan continues to lead in biotech and ophthalmic research, its AMD treatment landscape will expand not only in scale but also in precision and accessibility.