By: Ashit Sikka
Last updated : April 17, 2025 9:19 am
Rising demands and advancements in eye care drive growth
The global filter needles market is on a fast track to expansion, driven by the surging need for safer, more efficient medical procedures, especially in ophthalmology. As chronic eye diseases like neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic retinopathy continue to rise, the demand for innovative treatments such as intravitreal injection is intensifying. In India, where a growing healthcare sector faces the increasing burden of these conditions, the need for cutting-edge, high-quality filter needles has never been more critical. India is emerging as a key player in the fastest-growing region, making this a pivotal moment for the future of eye care.
Market Insights: Strong Expansion of the Filter Needles Market
The global filter needles market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for safer medical procedures and advancements in healthcare infrastructure. The market reached $1.59 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $1.73 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%. Key drivers of this growth include heightened patient safety awareness, stronger infection control practices, the prevalence of chronic diseases, evolving regulatory requirements, and advancements in healthcare infrastructure development. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly countries like India, is set to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.2%, driven by increasing healthcare expenditure, a burgeoning healthcare market, and the presence of local manufacturers.
India’s rapidly advancing healthcare sector and rising burden of chronic diseases are driving the demand for advanced medical solutions, particularly those used in ophthalmology.
Prevalence of Eye Diseases in India
India is experiencing a concerning rise in eye diseases, a trend that reflects global health patterns. With an aging population and escalating diabetes rates, conditions like nAMD, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema are becoming increasingly common. Approximately 2.55% of India’s population, or 35 million people, suffer from visual impairment, with an additional 0.36% of the population, or 4.95 million people, being blind. nAMD is a leading cause of blindness globally, and the number of people affected by this condition is projected to increase from 196 million in 2020 to 288 million by 2040.
Treatment Options: The Role of Intravitreal Injections
Intravitreal injections have become the cornerstone of treatment for retinal diseases. They offer several advantages, including high drug concentration delivered directly to the target area and localized delivery that minimizes systemic side effects. However, these injections come with challenges, including the risk of contamination, potential tissue damage, and patient discomfort. The rising demand for such injections calls for innovations in needle design to address these risks and improve treatment outcomes.
Terumo’s Innovative Solution for Safer Intravitreal Injections
As the need for safer injection techniques grows, Terumo is stepping up with solutions that address the challenges associated with intravitreal injections. The injection filter needles are designed to enhance patient safety, treatment effectiveness, and healthcare outcomes. The Terumo injection filter needle features a five-micrometre mesh filter that prevents harmful particles from being injected into the vitreous body, ensuring a contaminant-free injection. Additionally, the K PACK 30G extra wall needle offers a high flow rate, more than four times higher than standard needles, which enhances injection efficiency and reduces the time required for the procedure. The uniquely designed hub with advanced materials guarantees a secure connection between the needle and syringe, ensuring precise and reliable medication delivery.
By addressing critical concerns such as contamination risk, tissue damage, and patient discomfort, Terumo’s injection filter needles are helping to enhance patient safety and support the evolving healthcare landscape in India.
By Ashit Sikka, Senior Director – Pharmaceutical Solutions Division (PSD), APAC, Terumo India