Cataract Surgery Complications Market Summary

• The Cataract Surgery Complications Market is projected to grow steadily during the forecast period (2025–2034), driven by emerging therapies, advanced diagnostics, rising disease awareness, and an increasing number of reported cases, creating a promising and evolving market landscape.
• The leading Cataract Surgery Complications Companies such as Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc., AbbVie, Eyegate Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alcon Research, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Emmecell, Genentech Inc, Oculis and others.

Cataract Surgery Complications Market & Epidemiology Analysis

• The rising cases of cataract surgery complications are mainly due to an aging population, increased prevalence of ocular comorbidities (such as diabetes and glaucoma), greater surgical volumes, and variable surgical expertise. These factors contribute to higher susceptibility to complications such as inflammation, infection, or posterior capsular rupture.
• Treatment of cataract surgery complications hinges on early, risk-based intervention. Mild cases respond to topical therapy, while severe issues like endophthalmitis require intravitreal or systemic antibiotics. Therapy is guided by clinical response and culture results; non-response may indicate resistance or further complications.
• The current cataract surgery complications landscape is competitive, with approved treatment options, including DEXTENZA (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert), NEVANAC (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension), and others.
• Despite advances in cataract surgery, unmet needs remain due to the absence of reliable early detection for complications like posterior capsule opacification, cystoid macular edema, and endophthalmitis, along with limited risk-based strategies and inadequate follow-up, underscoring the need for personalized approaches to improve outcomes.
• The emerging pipeline for cataract surgery complications includes OCS-01, SVT-15473, VVN461, and other investigational therapies, reflecting a growing industry focus on addressing post-surgical inflammation and improving patient recovery outcomes.
• Among the emerging therapies, Oculis’ OCS-01 stands out, having met both primary endpoints in the Phase III OPTIMIZE-1 trial for post-cataract surgery inflammation and pain, while advancing in Phase III for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) with an NDA filing expected in 2H 2026, followed by an ocular surgery submission.

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Key Factors Driving the Cataract Surgery Complications Market Growth

• Rising Volume of Cataract Surgeries Worldwide

With cataract being one of the most common age-related conditions, the growing number of surgical procedures directly increases the incidence of associated complications, driving market demand for treatment and management solutions.

• Expanding Geriatric Population

As the elderly population grows globally, age-related ocular conditions—particularly cataracts—are becoming more prevalent, leading to a higher risk of post-surgical complications and increased healthcare utilization.

• Improved Diagnostic Awareness and Early Detection

Enhanced ophthalmic screening methods and greater patient awareness are leading to earlier identification of surgical complications, accelerating demand for timely interventions and specialized treatments.

• Advancements in Postoperative Care Technologies

Innovations in ocular imaging, inflammation management, infection control, and intraocular lens (IOL) monitoring are improving complication detection and supporting the market’s growth trajectory.

• Increase in Complex Cataract Cases

Higher incidence of comorbidities such as diabetes, uveitis, and glaucoma is contributing to a rise in complex surgeries, which carry greater risk of complications and increase the need for advanced postoperative solutions.

• Growing Adoption of Minimally Invasive and Premium IOL Procedures

Although advanced surgical techniques reduce risk, they can introduce specific new complication profiles, supporting continued demand for corrective treatments and monitoring solutions.

• R&D Advancements in Ophthalmic Therapeutics

Emerging anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and intraocular pressure management therapies are expanding treatment options and driving the market forward.

• Increasing Healthcare Spending and Access to Eye Care

Improved access to ophthalmology services and rising healthcare investments, especially in developing regions, are fueling demand for diagnostic, therapeutic, and postoperative care products.

DelveInsight’s comprehensive report titled “Cataract Surgery Complications Treatment Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034” offers a detailed analysis of cataract surgery complications. The report presents historical and projected epidemiological data covering total incident cases of cataract surgery, complications-specific incident cases of cataract surgery, total incident cases of cataract surgery complications, and treated cases of cataract surgery complications. In addition to epidemiology, the market report encompasses various aspects related to the patient population. These aspects include the diagnosis process, prescription patterns, physician perspectives, market accessibility, treatment options, and prospective developments in the market across seven major markets: the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan, spanning from 2020 to 2034.

The Cataract Surgery Complications Treatment Market Report analyzes the existing treatment practices and unmet medical requirements in cataract surgery complications. It evaluates the market potential and identifies potential business prospects for enhancing therapies or interventions. This valuable information enables stakeholders to make well-informed decisions regarding product development and strategic planning for the market.

Cataract Surgery Complications Disease Understanding: Overview

Cataract surgery complications refer to unexpected adverse events that can occur during or after cataract surgery, affecting the eye. These may include posterior capsular rupture, endophthalmitis, cystoid macular edema, or retinal detachment. While most patients recover well with proper care, certain individuals—such as those with pre-existing ocular conditions or systemic illnesses—may be at higher risk. Prompt diagnosis and management are critical to prevent long-term vision loss.

The primary symptoms of cataract surgery complications include blurred or decreased vision, increased eye redness, pain or discomfort in the operated eye, and sensitivity to light. In serious cases, patients may notice floaters, flashes of light, or purulent discharge—potential signs of conditions like endophthalmitis or retinal detachment. These symptoms can develop rapidly post-surgery and warrant immediate ophthalmic evaluation to prevent permanent vision loss.

Cataract Surgery Complications Diagnosis and Treatment Algorithm 

Diagnosing cataract surgery complications requires a structured, symptom-driven approach supported by advanced ophthalmic imaging. Clinicians evaluate for hallmark signs such as sudden visual decline, ocular pain, photophobia, and anterior chamber inflammation—potential indicators of serious conditions like endophthalmitis or cystoid macular edema. High-resolution modalities like OCT, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and ultrasonography play a pivotal role in identifying subtle postoperative changes. Early and precise diagnosis is critical to guide timely intervention and preserve visual function.

Treatment of cataract surgery complications depends on the severity and underlying cause. Mild cases like inflammation or edema are managed with topical steroids or NSAIDs, while serious complications such as endophthalmitis require intravitreal antibiotics, systemic therapy, and possibly surgical intervention. Diagnostic imaging and, when applicable, microbiological testing guide therapeutic decisions. Timely treatment is critical to prevent irreversible vision loss. Regular follow-up helps monitor recovery and detect late complications. Educating patients on symptom recognition and adherence to treatment improves outcomes and reduces recurrence risk.

Cataract Surgery Complications Epidemiology

The epidemiology section of the cataract surgery complications market report offers information on the patient populations, including historical and projected trends for each of the seven major markets. Examining key opinion leader views from physicians or clinical experts can assist in identifying the reasons behind historical and projected trends. The Cataract Surgery Complications Diagnosed Patient Pool, their trends, and the underlying assumptions are all included in this section of the report. This section also presents the data with relevant tables and graphs, offering a clear and concise view of the incidence of cataract surgery complications. Additionally, the report discloses the assumptions made during the analysis, ensuring data interpretation and presentation transparency. This epidemiological data is valuable for understanding the disease burden and its impact on the patient population across various regions.

Key Findings from the Cataract Surgery Complications Epidemiological Forecast

• In 2024, ~4 million cataract surgeries were performed in the US.
• In 2024, ~940,000 cataract surgeries were carried out in Germany.
• In 2024, ~1.5 million cataract surgeries were performed in Japan.
• 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%.
• Acute-onset endophthalmitis was reported in 0.04% of cataract surgeries performed in the US between 2013 and 2017.
• In the UK, ~2–14.7% of cataract surgery cases result in postoperative complications, with Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) developing in nearly one in five eyes.
• In Japan, the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis was reported at 0.025%.
• In Japan, 6.3% of patients undergoing cataract surgery were observed to experience early postoperative IOP elevation.
• The epidemiology of cataract surgery complications is expected to change during the forecast period (2025-2034).

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Outlook

The cataract surgery complications therapeutics market is further expected to increase by the major drivers, such as the rising incidence population, technological advancements, and upcoming therapies in the forecast period (2025–2034).

In April 2025, the US FDA expanded the approval of DEXTENZA (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert) to include pediatric use, marking a significant step in broadening its patient reach. This follows a June 2019 sNDA approval that added ocular inflammation after ophthalmic surgery to its label, complementing its original November 2018 approval for managing postoperative ocular pain. The progressive expansion of indications reflects the therapy’s growing clinical relevance in post-surgical ophthalmic care. With ongoing research and continued dedication, the future holds hope for even more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this challenging condition. According to DelveInsight, the cataract surgery complications market in the 7MM is expected to change significantly during the study period 2020–2034.

Cataract Surgery Complications Drug Analysis

Marketed Cataract Surgery Complications Drugs

• DEXTENZA (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert): Ocular Therapeutix

Dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid, mitigates ocular inflammation by inhibiting multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing edema, fibrin deposition, capillary leakage, and inflammatory cell migration. It is approved for managing inflammation and pain in adults and pediatric patients following ophthalmic surgery.

• NEVANAC/ILEVRO (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension): Harrow

Nepafenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prodrug, is approved in ophthalmic suspension formulations as NEVANAC (0.1%) and ILEVRO (0.3%) for managing pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. Upon topical ocular administration, it penetrates the cornea and is metabolized by ocular tissue hydrolases into amfenac, an active NSAID that inhibits prostaglandin H synthase (cyclooxygenase), a key enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis. By targeting this pathway, nepafenac offers effective postoperative inflammation control and supports better visual recovery outcomes.

Note: Detailed marketed therapies assessment will be provided in the final report.

Cataract Surgery Complications Emerging Drugs

The emerging pipeline for cataract surgery complications includes OCS-01, SVT-15473, VVN461, and other investigational therapies.

• OCS-01: Oculis

Oculis is advancing OCS-01, which could become the first once-daily, high-concentration, preservative-free steroid eye drop for managing inflammation and pain after ocular surgery. This 15 mg/ml dexamethasone formulation, developed using the company’s proprietary OPTIREACH technology, overcomes key limitations of traditional eye drops by enhancing solubility of lipophilic drugs, extending ocular surface residence time, and enabling sustained delivery to both anterior and posterior segments, potentially reducing dosing frequency and improving patient compliance.

In the Phase III OPTIMIZE-1 trial, OCS-01 achieved both primary endpoints with a once-daily regimen for post-cataract surgery inflammation and pain, underscoring its clinical potential. The therapy is also in Phase III development for DME, with an NDA filing for DME planned in the second half of 2026, to be followed by an ocular surgery NDA submission.

• SVT-15473: Salvat

SVT-15473 (clobetasol propionate ophthalmic nanoemulsion) is the first ocular corticosteroid developed using IMPACT-SVT patented nanoemulsion technology to treat inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. 

In April 2023, Salvat Laboratories announced positive Phase III results for SVT-15473 at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, presenting pooled data from two successful Phase III clinical trials of clobetasol conducted in the US.

It is currently being evaluated in the Phase III CLOSE-3 trial in Europe for the treatment of post-cataract surgery inflammation in the pediatric population.

• VVN461: VivaVision Biotech 

VVN461, a dual JAK1/TYK2 inhibitor developed by VivaVision Biotech, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent designed to modulate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammation and immune activity. By inhibiting multiple inflammatory cytokine pathways, VVN461 shows strong potential in managing postoperative inflammation following cataract surgery. Human pharmacokinetic data indicate minimal plasma exposure, supporting its favorable safety profile with low systemic toxicity while delivering localized anti-inflammatory effects. The therapy is currently in clinical development for inflammation associated with post-cataract surgery.

In June 2025, VivaVision Biotech received positive preliminary feedback from the US FDA’s Division of Ophthalmology, confirming that its US Phase II trial for VVN461LD in post-cataract surgery inflammation can serve as one of two pivotal studies for NDA submission, reducing the requirement to only one additional Phase III trial. The Phase II results have been published in Ophthalmology Science, and Phase III initiation in the US is planned soon.

Note: Detailed emerging therapies assessment will be provided in the final report.

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Segmentation

DelveInsight’s ‘Cataract Surgery Complications Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034’ report provides a detailed outlook of the current and future cataract surgery complications market, segmented within countries, by therapies, and by classes. Further, the market of each region is then segmented by each therapy to provide a detailed view of the current and future market share of all therapies. 

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Size by Countries

The cataract surgery complications market size is assessed separately for various countries, including the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan. In 2024, the United States held a significant share of the overall 7MM (Seven Major Markets) cataract surgery complications market, primarily attributed to the country’s higher incidence of the condition and the elevated cost of the available treatments. This dominance is projected to persist, especially with the potential early introduction of new products.

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Size by Therapies

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Size by Therapies is categorized into current and emerging markets for the study period 2020–2034. 

Note: Detailed market segment assessment will be provided in the final report.

Cataract Surgery Complications Drugs Uptake

This section focuses on the sales uptake of potential cataract surgery complications drugs that have recently been launched or are anticipated to be launched in the cataract surgery complications market between 2020 and 2034. It estimates the market penetration of cataract surgery complications drugs for a given country, examining their impact within and across classes and segments. It also touches upon the financial and regulatory decisions contributing to the probability of success (POS) of the drugs in the cataract surgery complications market. The emerging cataract surgery complications therapies are analyzed based on various attributes such as safety and efficacy in randomized clinical trials, order of entry and other market dynamics, and the unmet need they fulfill in the cataract surgery complications market.

Note: Detailed assessment of drug uptake and attribute analysis will be provided in the full report on Cataract Surgery Complications.

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Access and Reimbursement

DelveInsight’s ‘Cataract Surgery Complications Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034’ report provides a descriptive overview of the market access and reimbursement scenario of cataract surgery complications. This section includes a detailed analysis of the country-wise healthcare system for each therapy, enlightening the market access, reimbursement policies, and health technology assessments. 

Latest KOL Views on Cataract Surgery Complications

To keep up with current cataract surgery complications market trends and fill gaps in secondary findings, we interview KOLs and SMEs’ working in the cataract surgery complications domain. Their opinion helps understand and validate current and emerging therapies and treatment patterns or cataract surgery complications market trends. This will support the clients in potential upcoming novel treatments by identifying the overall scenario of the market and the cataract surgery complications unmet needs.

Cataract Surgery Complications: KOL Insights

DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 50+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 15+ KOLs in the 7MM. These KOLs were from organizations, institutes, and hospitals, such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, US; University Eye Hospital Heidelberg Germany; Rothschild Foundation Hospital, France; Humanitas Research Hospita, Italy; Yoshida Eye Hospital, Japan, and others.

“Advances in surgical techniques have not eliminated the gap in standardized protocols for early detection and management of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Limited use of risk stratification delays care for high-risk patients, while existing prophylactic and therapeutic options for inflammation, cystoid macular edema, and infection often fail to avert vision-threatening outcomes.”

“Cataract surgery complication management remains case-specific, from anterior vitrectomy for posterior capsule rupture to intravitreal antibiotics for endophthalmitis. While topical NSAIDs and corticosteroids are standard for inflammation control, emerging sustained-release formulations show promise. Combining advanced diagnostics with targeted therapy could markedly enhance recovery and long-term vision outcomes.”

“Cataract surgery, though effective, carries risks such as posterior capsule rupture, zonular dehiscence, dropped nucleus, and postoperative infections like endophthalmitis. Diagnosis hinges on real-time surgical visualization, with slit-lamp examination, optical coherence tomography, and microbial cultures aiding postoperative assessment. Timely and accurate detection is essential to safeguard visual outcomes.”

Note: Detailed assessment of KOL Views will be provided in the full report on cataract surgery complications.

Cataract Surgery Complications Competitive Intelligence Analysis

We conduct a Competitive and Market Intelligence analysis of the cataract surgery complications Market, utilizing various Competitive Intelligence tools such as SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies. The inclusion of these analyses is contingent upon data availability, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed assessment of the market landscape and competitive dynamics.

Cataract Surgery Complications Pipeline Development Activities

The Cataract Surgery Complications Therapeutics Market Report offers an analysis of therapeutic candidates in Phase I, Phase II and Phase III stages and examines Cataract Surgery Complications Companies involved in developing targeted therapeutics for cataract surgery complications. It provides valuable insights into the advancements and progress of potential treatments in clinical development for this condition. The report covers information on collaborations, acquisition and merger, licensing, patent details, and other information for emerging cataract surgery complications therapies.

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Report Insights

• Patient-based Cataract Surgery Complications Market Forecasting
• Therapeutic Approaches
• Cataract Surgery Complications Pipeline Analysis
• Cataract Surgery Complications Market Size and Trends
• Cataract Surgery Complications Market Opportunities
• Impact of Upcoming Cataract Surgery Complications Therapies

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Report Key Strengths

• 10 Years Cataract Surgery Complications Market Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage
• Cataract Surgery Complications Epidemiology Segmentation
• Key Cross Competition
• Highly Analyzed Cataract Surgery Complications Market
• Cataract Surgery Complications Drugs Uptake

Cataract Surgery Complications Market Report Assessment

• Current Cataract Surgery Complications Treatment Practices
• Cataract Surgery Complications Unmet Needs
• Cataract Surgery Complications Pipeline Product Profiles
• Cataract Surgery Complications Market Attractiveness

Key Questions Answered in the Cataract Surgery Complications Market Report

• How common is cataract surgery complications?
• What are the key findings of cataract surgery complications epidemiology across the 7MM, and which country will have the highest number of patients during the study period (2020–2034)?
• What are the currently available treatments for cataract surgery complications?
• What are the disease risk, burden, and unmet needs of cataract surgery complications?
• At what CAGR is the cataract surgery complications market and its epidemiology is expected to grow in the 7MM during the forecast period (2025–2034)?
• How would the unmet needs impact the cataract surgery complications market dynamics and subsequently influence the analysis of the related trends?
• What would be the forecasted patient pool of cataract surgery complications in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan?
• Among EU4 and the UK, which country will have the highest number of patients during the forecast period (2025–2034)?
• How many companies are currently developing therapies for the treatment of cataract surgery complications?

Reasons to Buy the Cataract Surgery Complications Market Report

• The Cataract Surgery Complications Therapeutics Market Report will help in developing business strategies by understanding the latest trends and changing treatment dynamics driving the cataract surgery complications drugs market.
• Insights on patient burden/disease Cataract Surgery Complications Incidence, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years
• To understand the existing Cataract Surgery Complications Drugs Market opportunity in varying geographies and the growth potential over the coming years.
• Distribution of historical and current patient share based on real-world prescription data along with reported sales of current treatment in the US, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.
• Identification of strong upcoming players in the Cataract Surgery Complications Drugs Market will help in devising strategies that will help in getting ahead of competitors.
• Detailed analysis and ranking of class-wise potential current and emerging therapies under the conjoint analysis section to provide visibility around leading classes.
• Highlights of Access and Reimbursement policies of approved therapies, barriers to accessibility of off-label expensive therapies, and patient assistance programs.
• To understand the perspective of Key Opinion Leaders around the accessibility, acceptability, and compliance-related challenges of existing treatment to overcome barriers in the future.
• Detailed insights on the unmet needs of the existing Cataract Surgery Complications Drugs Market so that the upcoming players can strengthen their development and launch strategy. 

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