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Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT Market

The market for Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT was estimated at $1.4 billion in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $2.3 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $3.8 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1806026
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
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Life Science
Other Healthcare
Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT
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Global Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$1.4B

Forecast, 2035

$3.8B

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

10.4%

The Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT industry revenue is expected to be around $1.4 billion in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 10.4% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. The findings highlighted the significance of the Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT industry to the global vision correction field with regard to refractive error management. This is due to an increase in the incidence of myopia and astigmatism and a preference by patients for non surgical treatments. The main uses of CRT at present are in the treatment of myopia and astigmatism, which combined account for 85.4% of the current usage of the technique. This highlights the position of CRT as a standard procedure for the treatment of astigmatism and the slowing down of myopia in adults and children alike. The overnight ortho-k lenses market sector is the largest, accounting for $0.93 billion in revenue in the year 2025. This is due to contact lens technology improvements, more experienced eye care practitioners and the increased use of corneal mapping to help with lens fitting. Growing acceptance by eye specialists, covered insurance in some regions and its compatibility with an active lifestyle and safety concerns are factors which support the growth of corneal refractive therapy over lasers and conventional day time glasses as a reversible method of non surgical correction.

Customised overnight corneal reshaping contact lenses are designed to gently alter the shape of the cornea while the wearer sleeps, allowing clear and comfortable vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. The corneal changes are temporary and safely reverse each morning, making this a flexible and non invasive vision correction option. These lenses are individually designed using detailed corneal topography, ensuring precise geometry that matches each patient’s eye structure. Their high oxygen permeability supports long term corneal health, while full compatibility with follow up diagnostic protocols and computerised monitoring systems enables accurate assessment using advanced eye examination equipment. This form of vision correction is primarily used for managing short sightedness and astigmatism, but it is increasingly being adopted for myopia control in children, where slowing the progression of short sight has become a key clinical objective. It is also considered suitable for selected individuals with mild long sightedness or for patients who have undergone previous eye surgery and prefer to avoid additional surgical procedures. Demand for this non invasive refractive solution continues to rise due to growing clinical emphasis on early myopia management, ongoing advancements in lens materials and digital design software, and increased contact lens usage among athletes and working professionals. Together, these factors have strengthened the position of overnight corneal reshaping lenses as a technologically advanced, patient focused alternative within modern vision care.

Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Corneal Refractive Therapy Crt market is projected to grow from $1.4 billion in 2025 to $3.8 billion in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 10.4%, reflecting rising demand across Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism.

  • This market is made up of a number of prominent players including Paragon Vision Sciences, Bausch & Lomb Inc., Menicon Co. Ltd., who are responsible for the competitive landscape that exists within the industry.

  • The U.S. and China dominate the global Corneal Refractive Therapy Crt market. Growth in the U.S. and Chinese markets is expected to experience 7.6 to 10.9% annual growth rates from 2025 to 2030.

  • Growing rapidly are economies such as India, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, which are expected to show a Compound Annual Growth Rate between 10 and 13% .

  • The adoption of non invasive treatments for corneal refractive therapy is expected to drive the Crt industry, leading to an additional $219 million by 2030.

  • The Corneal Refractive Therapy market is forecast to expand by $2.4 billion between 2025 and 2030, with manufacturers targeting ophthalmic clinics and home care applications for a larger share of the market.

  • With

    increasing prevalence of myopia coupled with rising demand for non-surgical vision correction solutions, and

    Advancements in lens technology and digital fitting platforms enhancing treatment precision and patient outcomes, Corneal Refractive Therapy Crt market to expand 169% between 2025 and 2035.

corneal refractive therapy crt market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT

With a growing number of working age people experiencing computer related eye strain symptoms, there is also a rising need for treatments which allow users to see without the need for surgery. The Corneal Refractive Therapy programme allows individuals to enjoy clear, unaided vision during working hours, without having to wear spectacles or conventional contact lenses during the day. Between 2025 and 2030, day time orthokeratology lenses are expected to increase from $0.50 billion to $0.73 billion at an annual growth rate of 7.99%. This of lens is especially useful for people in towns who are in white collar jobs and who have mild to moderate vision problems.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia Pacific

Demand for Corneal Refractive Therapy in North America is driven by growing patient numbers due to an awareness of non surgical vision correction procedures, increasing cases of myopia in children, plus a desire from patients to opt for orthokeratology or overnight vision correction over surgery; possible ways for growth include extending optometrists myopia management services to a wider client base, developing niche premium services for people who value a certain lifestyle, and using digital tools to allow remote check ups. The competitive market is highly competitive with the leading multinational contact lens suppliers concentrating on improved lens designs, practitioner education and selling products based on the benefits to the customer. This is especially true of the larger contact lens suppliers. New companies can differentiate themselves with safety profiles that are backed by data, special lenses for children and teenagers and close relationships with independent optometrists.
The Asia Pacific market for Corneal Refractive Therapy is being driven by a high incidence of myopia, rapid urbanisation and increasing purchasing power in this region. This provides opportunities in regionalised lens designs that have been tailored to suit the various corneal profiles prevalent in different region's, tiered products which cater to metropolitan and secondary cities, and partnerships with clinics which specialise in eye care for children as well as schools. Across the rapidly growing market for non surgical vision correction, it is crucial to have clinical evidence, after care support, education for medical practitioners and localised marketing. Regional companies which are agile, clinics that run their own labels and international brands are all competing in this market.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Increasing prevalence of myopia coupled with rising demand for non-surgical vision correction solutions

The global growth of the corneal refractive therapy (CRT) market is also strongly driven by the surging incidence of myopia, especially among children and young adults in urban and vision screen-intensive lifestyles, which fuels demand for effective myopia control options. Orthokeratology and CRT lenses offer a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures like LASIK, appealing to patients and parents who prefer reversible and safe corrective solutions without daytime glasses or contacts. Simultaneously, technological advancements in lens materials and custom design have also improved comfort and oxygen permeability, enhancing clinical outcomes and broadening adoption across diverse age groups. These factors together are also expanding the market’s appeal to eye care professionals and end users seeking preventive eye care and improved quality of life. 
Continuous innovation in CRT and orthokeratology lenses, including high oxygen permeable materials and AI-assisted corneal topography fitting systems, is also elevating treatment precision, comfort, and safety. These technological developments enable more personalized corneal reshaping, reduce fitting time, and improve first-fit success rates, making CRT a more attractive option for clinicians and patients alike. Enhanced lens performance and digital diagnostics are also strengthening clinical confidence and expanding the market reach of CRT offerings. 
02

Restraint: High upfront costs and specialized fitting limit CRT market adoption

The significant expense associated with corneal refractive therapy, including customized CRT lenses, specialized fitting procedures, and regular follow-up visits, restrains broader market uptake. Many patients view the cost as prohibitive compared to conventional eyeglasses or soft contact lenses, particularly where health insurance does not offer reimbursement. This pricing barrier reduces overall demand, limits revenue growth in price-sensitive regions, and slows expansion despite demonstrated clinical benefits.
03

Opportunity: Premium ophthalmology clinics in Asia-Pacific adopting Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT for advanced refractive error management and Rapidly expanding pediatric myopia control market using Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT overnight ortho-k lenses globally

The rapid increase in earnings and heavy pressure on students to perform well in the Asia Pacific region has created a high demand for eye care treatment which delays or puts off the necessity for eye surgery involving lasers. Many leading eye clinics are now including corneal refractive therapy and the latest Ortho-K lenses in their overall eye care treatment options. Companies that work with lens suppliers in a strategic manner, use data to tailor lens prescriptions to a patients eye shape and provide follow up care via telecommunications have a competitive advantage. The strongest growth in this region is expected to be achieved by overnight ortho k lenses, especially in the cities of South Korea, China and those in Southeast Asia.
Growing at an alarming rate, the incidence of myopia in children is leading to a demand for myopia treatments in highly populated region's. CRT with overnight ortho-k contact lenses provides a non surgical way to correct vision, allowing it to be a parental favourite because it is safe and can be used by children during school term. The overnight ortho k segment is predicted to rise from $0.93 billion in the year 2025 to $1.62 billion in 2030, with an annual growth rate of 11.6%. Growth will be particularly pronounced in the region of paediatric ophthalmology; this is especially so for children who are of school age and who need unaided vision all the time.
04

Challenge: Limited professional expertise and patient compliance hinder market growth

CRT’s success depends on highly trained eye care professionals for precise fitting and ongoing corneal health monitoring. A shortage of practitioners with necessary expertise in some regions impedes service availability, reducing accessibility and slowing market penetration. Additionally, strict patient adherence to nightly wear and hygiene protocols can impact results, leading to higher discontinuation rates. These factors dampen demand, constrain revenue, and challenge overall market dynamics.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Corneal Refractive Materials

Menicon Co. Ltd.Bausch & Lomb Inc
2

Orthokeratology Lens Manufacturing

Paragon Vision SciencesEuclid Systems Corporation
3

Therapy Crt Distribution

CooperVisionBausch & Lomb Inc
4

Overnight Vision Correction

Optometry clinicsOphthalmology centersMyopia management practices
Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT in Myopia & Astigmatism

Myopia : Corneal refractive therapy for myopia is widely adopted using overnight orthokeratology rigid gas permeable lenses prescribed by optometrists and ophthalmologists. These lenses gently reshape the cornea during sleep, providing clear daytime vision and slowing myopia progression, especially in children and adolescents. The non surgical and reversible nature is a key advantage. Cooper Vision, Bausch + Lomb, and Euclid Systems lead this segment, supported by strong clinical validation, practitioner training programs, and broad global distribution.
Hyperopia : In hyperopia management, corneal refractive therapy primarily uses customized CRT orthokeratology lenses designed to steepen central corneal curvature overnight. This approach is mainly utilized by adult patients and specialty eye care clinics seeking non invasive vision correction alternatives. Benefits include daytime spectacle free vision and adjustable treatment outcomes. Paragon Vision Sciences, Menicon, and Precilens are prominent players, recognized for advanced lens geometry design, high oxygen permeability materials, and strong practitioner focused fitting support.
Astigmatism : For astigmatism correction, corneal refractive therapy relies on toric CRT orthokeratology lenses engineered to provide stable corneal reshaping during overnight wear. These lenses address irregular corneal curvature while maintaining lens centration, making them suitable for both adolescents and adults. Key advantages include improved visual acuity without surgery and reduced dependence on glasses. Market leaders such as Cooper Vision, Euclid Systems, and Menicon stand out for precision manufacturing, clinical expertise, and broad astigmatism correction ranges.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the Orthokeratology market highlight strong growth driven by rising myopia control demand, especially among children and young adults, and advances in lens design and material science that improve comfort and oxygen permeability. Adoption of digital corneal topography and AI-assisted fitting tools is enhancing precision and first-fit success. A key market trend is expanding customized orthokeratology solutions and remote tele-optometry services, broadening accessibility and practitioner reach globally. 

May 2025 : Menicon Co. Ltd. launched its Menicon Z Night orthokeratology lenses in China, expanding regional access for overnight vision correction and myopia management.
January 2025 : CooperVision Specialty EyeCare introduced Visavy, a digital fitting tool with topography-guided algorithms to support Paragon CRT orthokeratology lens design and selection at the 2025 Global Specialty Lens Symposium.
April 2024 : Euclid Systems Corporation launched an AI-driven software platform for personalized orthokeratology lens design, enhancing customization and treatment accuracy for eye care professionals.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT Market

As a core segment of the Other Healthcare industry, the Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Shift towards Non-Invasive Procedures and Integration of Advanced Lens Technologies have redefined priorities across the Other Healthcare sector, influencing how the Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Shift towards Non-Invasive Procedures

Growing demand for less invasive procedures is significantly altering the way the Corneal Refractive Therapy market is shaping up, and this trend is leading to increased preference for non surgical vision correction techniques. By 2030, this trend is expected to result in a $219 million increase in market growth. With consumers opting for methods of refractive surgery that are convenient, reversible and low in risk, Corneal Refractive Therapy solutions are emerging as premium offerings for daytime spectacle freedom and overnight vision correction. These comprise CRT contact lenses of a more advanced and orthokeratology lenses. The move enhances the place of CRT in the treatment of myopia and extends its application beyond to the whole Corneal Refractive Therapy portfolio. It prompts practitioners to provide more treatment and educate patients better, thereby differentiating their service with non invasive treatments which have been clinically proven. These treatments cater for patients who can afford higher costs.
02

Integration of Advanced Lens Technologies

Another major transition in corneal refractive therapy is the integration of advanced lens materials, digital corneal mapping, and AI assisted fitting systems. High oxygen permeability materials and precision lathe manufacturing have improved safety, comfort, and treatment predictability, accelerating clinician confidence in CRT adoption. This shift has had a ripple effect across associated industries, including ophthalmic diagnostics and medical software. Demand for corneal topographers, cloud based patient data platforms, and practice management solutions has increased alongside CRT usage. Lens manufacturers are partnering with diagnostic equipment providers to offer integrated ecosystems, positioning CRT as part of a technology driven, data centric eye care model rather than a standalone corrective solution.