North America Intraocular Lens Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

The North America Intraocular Lens Market is entering a decade of sustained transformation, driven by expanding cataract surgery volumes, aging demographics, a growing diabetic population, and fast-evolving surgical innovations. According to Renub Research, the market is set to climb from US$ 1.53 billion in 2024 to US$ 2.38 billion by 2033, growing at a stable 5.00% CAGR from 2025 through 2033. Across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the surge in demand for premium, technologically advanced lenses is noticeably redefining patient expectations and reshaping ophthalmic care standards.

As cataracts remain one of the most common causes of reversible blindness, intraocular lenses (IOLs) have become a cornerstone of vision restoration. Today, patients no longer seek mere correction—they expect lifestyle-enhancing outcomes. This shift is creating a vibrant and competitive landscape for manufacturers offering monofocal, multifocal, toric, accommodating, and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs.

Request Free Sample Report

Understanding Intraocular Lenses: A Cornerstone of Modern Cataract Care

An intraocular lens (IOL) replaces the eye’s natural lens when it becomes clouded, typically due to cataracts—one of the most prevalent age-related visual disorders. Made of biocompatible materials such as acrylic or silicone, IOLs restore vision by optimally focusing light onto the retina.

The North American market encompasses a broad range of lens types:

Monofocal IOLs – Standard option, optimal for distance vision

Multifocal IOLs – Allow vision across multiple distances

Toric IOLs – Designed to correct astigmatism

Accommodative IOLs – Flex and shift to mimic natural lens movement

EDOF IOLs – Extend the range of continuous vision

Technological leaps, including femtosecond-laser-assisted cataract surgery, improved materials, and more precise optical design, have significantly improved patient outcomes. Consequently, consumer confidence and surgical adoption rates have accelerated throughout the region.

Key Growth Drivers for the North America IOL Market

1. A Rapidly Aging Population Fuels Unprecedented Demand

Age is the strongest risk factor for cataracts, and North America is experiencing a profound demographic shift. In the United States alone, over 10,000 people turn 65 every day, expanding the pool of individuals at risk for age-related vision impairment.

By 2035, the population aged 80+ will grow nearly 50%, increasing from 13.9 million to over 20.8 million, far outpacing overall U.S. population growth. This demographic boom is expected to significantly raise demand for cataract surgeries and IOL procedures.

Premium IOLs, which offer reduced dependence on glasses, are gaining traction among senior patients who prefer maintaining visual independence. This consumer shift toward higher-value lenses is expected to be one of the most powerful growth accelerators through 2033.

2. Growth in Cataract Surgeries Across the Region

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safest medical procedures. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases—including diabetes and dementia—continues to heighten cataract risk.

NIH projections highlight that 1.8% of dementia cases in the U.S. in 2022 were linked to visual impairment, with total vision-related dementia cases expected to exceed 250,000 by 2050. Such data underscores the urgent need for timely cataract interventions.

Disparities in vision impairment rates also exist across ethnic groups—for instance, 11% among Hispanics versus 8.3% among Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites—driving public health efforts focused on equitable access to cataract care.

As surgical volumes rise, so does the corresponding demand for monofocal and premium lens implants, creating sustained market momentum.

3. Advancements in IOL and Surgical Technology

Technology remains at the heart of market expansion. Innovations in optical engineering, materials, and surgical precision are reshaping lens design and clinical outcomes.

A notable example is the FDA’s April 2023 approval of the ZEISS CT LUCIA 621P Monofocal IOL, which incorporates advanced aspheric design to improve optical performance, particularly in cases of lens decentration. Additionally, the popularization of femtosecond-laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) enhances:

Surgical accuracy

Capsulotomy precision

Patient recovery speed

Post-operative visual quality

Premium IOL demand continues to rise as patients increasingly favor multifocal, toric, and EDOF lenses over traditional monofocal options.

Challenges Impacting Market Growth

Even with strong demand drivers, the North American IOL landscape faces notable hurdles.

1. High Costs of Premium Lenses

Despite superior visual benefits, premium IOLs remain expensive and are often not covered by insurance. Out-of-pocket costs can be prohibitive, limiting adoption among lower-income and uninsured patients. As premium lenses can significantly increase total surgical expense, many individuals opt for covered monofocal options, slowing the expansion of the premium segment.

2. Regulatory Delays and High R&D Costs

All new IOLs undergo stringent FDA approval, including extensive clinical trials to validate safety and efficacy. These processes, while essential, can take several years, delaying commercialization of new designs. Further, any change in materials or optical configuration often requires additional regulatory scrutiny.

This delayed pathway raises development costs for manufacturers and slows speed-to-market for emerging IOL innovations.

Country-Wise Market Overview

United States: The Regional Powerhouse

The U.S. accounts for the largest share of North America’s intraocular lens market, supported by:

A large elderly population

High surgical volumes

Advanced ophthalmic infrastructure

Strong adoption of premium lenses

Rapid advancement in surgical technologies

The rising prevalence of diabetes further boosts cataract incidence. Manufacturers continue to introduce advanced solutions tailored to U.S. clinicians’ needs. ZEISS, for example, emphasizes enhanced optical stability and aberration control to optimize outcomes for American patients.

Canada: Consistent Growth Supported by Rising Vision Impairment

Canada’s IOL market is expanding steadily due to increasing access to vision care and a growing patient pool. According to the Canadian Council of the Blind (2021), over 1.2 million Canadians experience vision impairments such as astigmatism, presbyopia, myopia, and hyperopia—conditions commonly addressed through intraocular lenses.

As adoption of multifocal and toric lenses rises, along with the modernization of cataract surgery across healthcare systems, Canada’s IOL sector is expected to grow consistently through 2033.

Mexico: Growing Market with Untapped Opportunities

Mexico’s IOL market is supported by:

A rapidly aging population

Increasing cataract burden

Expanding healthcare infrastructure

Greater accessibility to ophthalmic specialists

As disposable incomes rise, demand for premium lenses is expected to increase. However, challenges such as low awareness in rural areas and the relatively high cost of premium IOLs need to be addressed for full market potential to be realized.

North America Intraocular Lens Market Segmentation

By Product

Monofocal IOL

Multifocal IOL

Toric IOL

Accommodative IOL

By Material

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Silicone

Hydrophobic & Hydrophilic Acrylic

Other Materials

By End User

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)

Ophthalmology Clinics

Eye Research Institutes

By Country

United States

Canada

Mexico

Rest of North America

Company Profiles Covered (4 Key Viewpoints Each)

Alcon Inc.

Bausch Health Companies Inc.

Hoya Corporation

Johnson & Johnson

STAAR Surgical Co.

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

Novartis AG

USIOL Inc.

Each company analysis includes:

Overview

Key Persons

Recent Developments

Financial Insights

Final Thoughts

The North American intraocular lens market is poised for a decade of meaningful expansion as cataract care shifts from basic vision correction to personalized, lifestyle-enhancing visual solutions. With an aging population, rising surgical volumes, and rapid advancements in premium lens technologies, the region will remain a global hub for innovation in ophthalmic devices.

However, market acceleration will depend on addressing affordability barriers, accelerating regulatory pathways, and improving awareness across underserved communities. Companies that prioritize technological excellence, patient-centric design, and accessible pricing strategies are set to lead the next phase of growth.