The cataract surgery complications market is projected to grow steadily from 2025 to 2034, driven by the introduction of new treatments, advancements in diagnostic technologies, increased awareness of the condition, and a growing number of reported cases, creating a dynamic and promising market landscape.
DelveInsight’s Cataract Surgery Complications Market Insights report provides an in-depth understanding of current treatment approaches, emerging drugs for cataract surgery complications, market share of individual therapies, and the current and projected market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented across the 7MM [United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan].
Key Takeaways from the Cataract Surgery Complications Market Report
- DelveInsight’s analysis indicates that the market size for cataract surgery complications in the 7MM is anticipated to grow substantially by 2034.
- The United States held the largest cataract surgery complications treatment market size within the 7MM in 2024, compared to other major markets, including the EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.
- Approximately 4 million cataract surgeries were performed in the US in 2024.
- In the US, intraoperative ocular adverse events were reported in 0.55% of cases as capsular tears and 0.34% as vitreous loss, while postoperative adverse events included iritis in 1.53% of cases, corneal edema in 0.53%, and retinal tear or detachment in 0.14%.
- Leading companies developing emerging therapies for cataract surgery complications, such as Oculis, Salvat, VivaVision Biotech, and others, are advancing new treatment drugs expected to enter the market in the coming years.
- Promising therapies in the pipeline include OCS-01, SVT-15473, VVN461, and others.
Explore the latest treatment for cataract surgery complications @ New Treatments for Cataract Surgery Complications
Cataract Surgery Complications Market Dynamics
The dynamics of the cataract surgery complications market are expected to evolve significantly in the coming years. Several factors influence these complications, including patient characteristics, surgical techniques, and the quality of post-operative care. Advanced age, diabetes, hypertension, and pre-existing ocular conditions can increase the risk of complications such as macular edema, infection, or posterior capsule opacification. Intraoperative factors, including surgeon experience, use of outdated equipment, or anatomical challenges (e.g., small pupils, weak zonules), also play a critical role. Furthermore, insufficient adherence to post-surgical medications and follow-up care can delay the detection and management of infections or inflammation.
As new therapies are being developed to treat cataract surgery complications, the evolving treatment landscape is expected to significantly impact the market during the forecast period. The anticipated introduction of more effective therapies and improvements in diagnostic capabilities are projected to drive growth in the 7MM cataract surgery complications market.
However, several challenges could hinder market growth. Postoperative issues such as inflammation, infection, posterior capsule opacification, corneal edema, or elevated intraocular pressure may compromise visual recovery if not addressed promptly. Patient-related factors, including delayed follow-ups, comorbidities such as diabetes, or poor compliance with eye drop regimens, can further worsen outcomes. In many regions, barriers such as high surgical costs, limited access to skilled surgeons, lack of awareness, and fear of surgery can delay intervention. These clinical and systemic challenges contribute to variability in surgical outcomes and treatment adoption globally.
Additionally, cataract surgery complications pose a significant economic burden and impact patients’ overall quality of life. Market growth may also be limited by failures or discontinuation of emerging therapies, high treatment costs, restricted market access and reimbursement issues, a shortage of healthcare specialists, and underdiagnosis or lack of awareness about the condition.
Cataract Surgery Complications Treatment Market
Management strategies for cataract surgery complications depend on both the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Minor complications, such as inflammation or corneal edema, are typically treated with topical corticosteroids or NSAIDs. Severe complications, including endophthalmitis, require intravitreal antibiotics, systemic medications, and sometimes surgical interventions. Diagnostic imaging and microbiological testing are critical for guiding treatment. Prompt management is essential to prevent permanent vision loss, and ongoing follow-up is necessary to monitor recovery and identify any late-onset complications. Educating patients to recognize symptoms and adhere to prescribed therapies is also vital for improving outcomes and reducing recurrence risk.
The current market for cataract surgery complications management is highly competitive, with approved products including DEXTENZA (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert), NEVANAC (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension), and others.
Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid that reduces ocular inflammation by inhibiting multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby decreasing edema, fibrin formation, vascular leakage, and inflammatory cell infiltration. It is approved for managing postoperative inflammation and pain in both adult and pediatric patients following ocular surgery.
Nepafenac, available as NEVANAC (0.1%) and ILEVRO (0.3%) ophthalmic suspensions, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prodrug. After topical administration, it penetrates the cornea and is converted by ocular hydrolases into amfenac, an active NSAID that inhibits prostaglandin H synthase (cyclooxygenase), a key enzyme in prostaglandin production. By targeting this pathway, nepafenac effectively controls postoperative inflammation and supports improved visual recovery.
Learn more about treatment options for cataract surgery complications @ Approved Cataract Surgery Complications Drugs
Cataract Surgery Complications Pipeline Therapies and Key Companies
The pipeline for cataract surgery complications is rapidly expanding, featuring investigational therapies such as OCS-01, SVT-15473, VVN461, and others, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on mitigating post-surgical inflammation and enhancing patient recovery outcomes.
OCS-01 (Oculis)
Oculis is advancing OCS-01, a potential first-of-its-kind preservative-free, high-concentration, once-daily steroid eye drop designed to treat post-surgical inflammation and pain. Formulated with 15 mg/ml dexamethasone using Oculis’s proprietary OPTIREACH delivery platform, OCS-01 overcomes limitations of conventional eye drops by enhancing solubility of lipophilic molecules, prolonging ocular surface residence, and enabling sustained delivery to both anterior and posterior segments. These features may reduce dosing frequency and improve patient adherence. In the Phase III OPTIMIZE-1 study, OCS-01 achieved both primary endpoints with once-daily dosing for post-cataract inflammation and pain, underscoring its clinical potential. The therapy is also under Phase III evaluation for diabetic macular edema (DME), with an NDA filing for DME expected in H2 2026, followed by an NDA submission for ocular surgery.
SVT-15473 (Salvat Laboratories)
SVT-15473, a clobetasol propionate ophthalmic nanoemulsion, is the first ocular steroid developed using IMPACT-SVT nanoemulsion technology for post-surgical inflammation and pain management. In April 2023, Salvat Laboratories presented positive pooled Phase III results at the ARVO Annual Meeting from two successful U.S. trials. The therapy is currently undergoing the European Phase III CLOSE-3 study, targeting inflammation following cataract surgery in pediatric patients.
VVN461 (VivaVision Biotech)
VVN461 is a dual JAK1/TYK2 inhibitor providing a non-steroidal approach to manage postoperative inflammation via modulation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. By inhibiting multiple inflammatory cytokine pathways, VVN461 demonstrates strong potential for post-cataract surgery inflammation management. Human pharmacokinetic studies indicate minimal systemic exposure, suggesting a favorable safety profile with low systemic toxicity while delivering localized anti-inflammatory effects. In June 2025, VivaVision received positive preliminary feedback from the FDA Ophthalmology Division confirming that its U.S. Phase II trial of VVN461LD could count as one of the two pivotal studies required for NDA submission, reducing the need for only one additional Phase III trial. Phase II data have been published in Ophthalmology Science, and a U.S. Phase III trial is expected to commence soon.
The upcoming launch of these innovative therapies is poised to transform the cataract surgery complications market. As these therapies mature and receive regulatory approvals, they are expected to establish new standards of care, reshape treatment paradigms, and create significant opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth.
Explore cataract surgery complications marketed and pipeline drugs @ Cataract Surgery Complications Clinical Trials
Recent Developments in the Cataract Surgery Complications Market
- In June 2025, VivaVision Biotech received positive preliminary feedback from the U.S. FDA’s Division of Ophthalmology, confirming that its U.S. Phase II trial of VVN461LD for post-cataract surgery inflammation can serve as one of the two pivotal studies required for NDA submission, reducing the need for only one additional Phase III trial.
- In April 2025, the U.S. FDA expanded the approval of DEXTENZA (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert) to include pediatric use, representing a significant step in broadening patient accessibility.
Cataract Surgery Complications Overview
Cataract surgery complications encompass unexpected adverse outcomes that may occur during or after surgery, potentially affecting ocular health. Common complications include posterior capsule rupture, endophthalmitis, cystoid macular edema, and retinal detachment. While most patients recover well with proper treatment, individuals with pre-existing eye conditions or systemic health issues may face a higher risk. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are critical to prevent long-term vision impairment.
Typical signs of post-surgical complications include blurred or reduced vision, redness, pain, irritation in the operated eye, and light sensitivity. In severe cases, patients may experience floaters, light flashes, or pus-like discharge, which could indicate serious conditions such as endophthalmitis or retinal detachment. Rapid ophthalmic assessment is essential to avoid permanent vision damage.
Cataract Surgery Complications Epidemiology Segmentation
The epidemiology section provides a detailed understanding of historical, current, and forecasted trends in the cataract surgery complications patient population across the 7MM. This analysis helps identify drivers of patient trends by integrating data from multiple studies and insights from key opinion leaders.
DelveInsight’s cataract surgery complications market report covers epidemiological analysis for the period 2020–2034 in the 7MM, segmented into:
- Total incident cases of cataract surgery
- Complications-specific incident cases of cataract surgery
- Total incident cases of cataract surgery complications
- Treated cases of cataract surgery complications
Scope of the Cataract Surgery Complications Market Report
- Therapeutic Assessment: Analysis of current marketed therapies and emerging drugs for cataract surgery complications.
- Cataract Surgery Complications Market Dynamics: Key market forecast assumptions for emerging therapies and overall market outlook.
- Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis of leading companies and strategies for market entry.
- Unmet Needs and Expert Insights: Perspectives from Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and analysts on unmet medical needs, market trends, and opportunities.
- Market Access and Reimbursement: Evaluation of access pathways, reimbursement policies, and their impact on the cataract surgery complications market.
Get the report to uncover the key drivers of cataract surgery complications therapeutics market trends @ Cataract Surgery Complications Market Trends
About DelveInsight
DelveInsight is a leading healthcare-focused market research and consulting firm that provides clients with high-quality market intelligence and analysis to support informed business decisions.
