Global Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Global Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market, By Technology (Time Domain OCT (TDOCT), Frequency Domain OCT (FD-OCT), and Spatial Encoded Frequency Domain OCT),  Type (Catheter Based OCT Devices, Doppler OCT Devices, Handheld OCT Devices, and Table-top OCT Devices), Application (Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Oncology, Dermatology, Dentistry, and Others) – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market Analysis and Size

The growth of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) market is driven by the increasing prevalence of eye-related disorders and the adoption of advanced OCT technology for the early detection of eye diseases. For instance, World Health Organization data from 2022 reveals that 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from near or distant vision impairment. Consequently, the rising incidence of eye-related disorders is expected to propel market growth. In addition, technological advancements in OCT, including product development and improved diagnostic accuracy, are anticipated to further support the expansion of the OCT market.

Global optical coherence tomography (OCT) market size was valued at USD 1.49 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.55 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 11.45% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include depth expert analysis, patient epidemiology, pipeline analysis, pricing analysis, and regulatory framework.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation       

Market Definition

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique used primarily in medical and biological imaging to obtain high-resolution cross-sectional images of biological tissues. It utilizes low-coherence interferometry to capture micrometer-resolution, 2D and 3D images from within optical scattering media (such as biological tissue). OCT is commonly used in ophthalmology to visualize the retina and diagnose retinal diseases, as well as in other medical fields such as cardiology, dermatology, and oncology for imaging tissue structure and pathology.  

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising Incidence of Eye Disorders    

The increasing prevalence of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy is a significant driver for the OCT market in ophthalmology. These conditions are becoming more common globally due to aging populations and lifestyle factors. OCT systems play a crucial role in the early detection and management of these diseases by providing detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve. As healthcare systems emphasize early intervention to prevent vision loss, the demand for OCT devices continues to rise, particularly in regions with aging populations and high healthcare access.   

• Expanding Applications Beyond Ophthalmology           

The adoption of OCT technology beyond traditional ophthalmology applications into fields such as cardiology, dermatology, oncology, and dentistry has significantly expanded its market potential. In cardiology, OCT is used for imaging blood vessels to assess coronary artery disease. In dermatology, it aids in diagnosing skin cancers and monitoring treatment efficacy. Oncology benefits from OCT's ability to visualize tissue morphology, aiding in early cancer detection and treatment monitoring. Dentistry utilizes OCT for assessing tooth structure and diagnosing oral diseases. These diverse applications not only broaden the scope of OCT usage but also create new growth opportunities for manufacturers and healthcare providers looking to integrate advanced imaging technologies into their practices. 

Opportunities

• Technological Advancements in OCT                       

Higher-resolution images allow for more detailed anatomical visualization and better disease characterization. Faster scanning speeds improve efficiency and patient throughput, making OCT more accessible in clinical settings. Enhanced software features enable advanced image processing and analysis, facilitating more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Continuous innovations in OCT technology, including improved imaging resolution, faster scanning speeds, and enhanced software capabilities, are driving market growth across various medical specialties. These technological advancements not only enhance clinical outcomes but also increase the attractiveness of OCT systems to create new market opportunities.          

• Growing Healthcare Expenditure          

Rising healthcare expenditure globally, particularly in developed regions such as North America and Europe, supports increased investments in advanced medical imaging technologies like OCT. As healthcare systems prioritize enhancing diagnostic capabilities and patient care quality, there is a growing demand for innovative imaging solutions that can improve clinical outcomes and operational efficiency. OCT's ability to provide detailed, real-time imaging of tissues aligns with these healthcare priorities, driving market expansion in regions with robust healthcare infrastructure and substantial healthcare spending.       

Restraints/Challenges

• High Cost of OCT Equipment   

The initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs associated with OCT systems can be prohibitive for healthcare facilities, especially in developing economies. The high cost of equipment limits market penetration and adoption rates, particularly in settings where budget constraints are a significant consideration. Additionally, the expense of training personnel to operate and interpret OCT images adds to the overall cost burden, impacting the affordability and accessibility of OCT technology in these regions.       

• Lack of Skilled Professionals

The interpretation of OCT images requires specialized training and expertise, which can pose a barrier to widespread adoption in regions with a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals proficient in OCT technology. Effective utilization of OCT for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning relies on the proficiency of trained personnel to interpret complex imaging data. Addressing the shortage of skilled OCT practitioners through training programs and educational initiatives is crucial to expanding market uptake and maximizing the clinical utility of OCT across various medical disciplines.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Recent Developments

• In April 2022, Alcon enhanced its training and education offerings with the Alcon Fidelis Virtual Reality (VR) Ophthalmic Surgical Simulator, a portable VR tool designed for cataract surgeons in training       
• In January 2022, Haag-Streit UK (HS-UK) introduced the Optovue iScan80 to the market. This high-speed OCT system, suitable for practices looking for an affordable and versatile option, features a streamlined design that integrates the operator interface, display, patient interface, and scan head into a single console, making it ideal for small spaces

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of technology, type, and application. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Technology

• Time Domain OCT (TDOCT)
• Frequency Domain OCT (FD-OCT)
• Spatial Encoded Frequency Domain OCT

Type

• Catheter Based OCT Devices
• Doppler OCT Devices
• Handheld OCT Devices
• Table-top OCT Devices

Application

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Dentistry
• Others

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The market is analyzed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, technology, type, and application as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, rest of Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Egypt, Israel, rest of Middle East and Africa, Brazil, Argentina, and rest of South America.

North America is expected to dominate the market due to the increase in eye-related diseases. In addition, the presence of major key players is expected to further drive market growth in this region during the forecast period.   

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to rising healthcare expenditures. Moreover, the growing awareness of eye disorders is anticipated to further boost the OCT market's expansion in this region during the forecast period.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points like down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market Share Analysis

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:

• Agfa - Gevaert Group (Belgium)
• Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany)
• Heidelberg Engineering GmbH (Germany)
• Imalux Corp. (U.S.)
• Michelson Diagnostics (U.K.)
• Novacam Technologies Inc. (Canada)
• OPTOPOL Technology S.A. (Poland)
• Metall Zug AG (Switzerland)
• Topcon Corporation (Japan)
• Thorlabs Inc. (U.S.)
• Abbott (U.S.)