DelveInsight’s ‘Keratoconus (KC) - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast– 2030’ report delivers an in-depth understanding of the Keratoconus (KC), historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the Keratoconus (KC) market trends in the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and United Kingdom) and Japan.
The Keratoconus (KC) market report provides current treatment practices, emerging drugs, and market share of the individual therapies, current and forecasted 7MM Keratoconus (KC) market size from 2017 to 2030. The report also covers current Keratoconus (KC) treatment practice/algorithm, market drivers, market barriers and unmet medical needs to curate the best of the opportunities and assesses the underlying potential of the market.
Geography Covered
• The United States
• EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom)
• Japan

Study Period: 2017–2030
Keratoconus (KC) Disease Understanding and Treatment Algorithm
Keratoconus (KC) Overview
Keratoconus (KC) also known as the conical cornea, is an eye (ocular) disorder characterized by progressive thinning and changes in the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the thin, clear outer layer of the eye and is normally dome-shaped. Slowly progressive thinning of the cornea causes a cone-shaped bulge to develop towards the center of the cornea in the areas of greatest thinning. Affected individuals develop a blurry or distorted vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and additional vision problems. KC has different types based on the shape and location of the thinned cornea. These types include nipple, oval, keratoglobus, and D-shaped KC.
Generally, KC is first diagnosed in young people at puberty or in their late teens. The exact cause of KC is unknown. There are many theories based on research and its association with other conditions such as allergies and genetic causes; however, no one theory explains it all, and it may be caused by a combination of things.
In its earliest stages, KC is known to cause slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to glare and light; these symptoms usually appear in the late teens or early 20s. It may progress for 10–20 years and then slow in its progression. Each eye may be affected differently.
The specific underlying mechanism(s) responsible for KC are not fully understood. Most cases appear to occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically). However, a positive family history of KC has been established in some cases. Most researchers believe that multiple, complex factors are required for the development of KC, including both genetic and environmental factors.

Keratoconus (KC) Diagnosis
KC should be suspected in any patient with significant irregular astigmatism, especially if unstable and increasing over time. In the early stages of the disease, there is altered metabolic activity that may lead to biomechanical instability and stretching of the corneal tissues. As the disease progresses, there is accompanying tissue loss. In addition, there is a loss of correlation between the anterior and posterior corneal curvature. Progressive corneal thinning and distortion causes a conical or cone-shaped protrusion, which may be visible at the slit lamp in advanced cases. In early disease, the condition may go undiagnosed unless assessments of the posterior and anterior corneal surfaces are undertaken using corneal tomography.
KC may be diagnosed based upon a complete patient and family history and thorough eye examination. Such an examination may include evaluation of the external appearance of the eyes, visual acuity, eye movements, and visual fields; the use of a special, illuminated microscope that allows physicians to view the eye through high magnification (slit-lamp examination); and/or additional tests or procedures.

Various diagnostic techniques and procedures used for KC include:
• Eye Refraction
• Slit-lamp examination
• Keratometry
• Corneal Topography
• Corneal Tomography
• Keratoconus indices
• The Belin Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display (BAD)
• Holladay 6 map display
• Corneal pachymetry
• Automated detection program for subclinical KC
• Corneal biomechanics
Keratoconus (KC) Treatment
The initial treatment for keratoconus often consists of hard contact lenses. A variety of keratorefractive procedures have also been attempted, broadly divided into subtractive and additive techniques. Subtractive techniques include photorefractive keratectomy or laser in situ keratomileusis, although generally, the results of these techniques have been poor. Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments is an additive technique in which the implants are intended to reinforce the cornea, prevent further deterioration, and potentially obviate the need for penetrating keratoplasty. Penetrating keratoplasty (i.e., corneal grafting) is the last line of treatment. About 20% of patients with keratoconus will require corneal transplantation. All of these treatments attempt to improve refractive errors but are not disease-modifying.
However, keratoconus management has significantly changed over the last two decades. The advent of new interventions such as cornea cross-linking, intrastromal corneal ring segments and combined treatments provide corneal clinicians a variety of treatment options for the visual rehabilitation of keratoconus patients.
Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) has the potential to slow the progression of the disease. During CXL, in order to achieve a strengthening effect of corneal tissue and arrest keratoconus progression, the use of riboflavin (vitamin B2) is combined with ultraviolet A (UV-A) irradiation. Riboflavin plays the role of a photosensitizer in the photopolymerization process and when combined with UV-A irradiation increases the formation of intrafibrillar and interfibrillar carbonyl-based collagen covalent bonds through a molecular process that has still not been completely elucidated.
Keratoconus (KC) Epidemiology
The disease epidemiology covered in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by Total Diagnosed Prevalent Population of Keratoconus (KC), Severity-specific Distribution of Keratoconus (KC) and Age-specific Distribution of Keratoconus (KC) in the 7MM market covering the United States, EU5 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom) and Japan from 2017 to 2030.
Key Findings
This section provides glimpse of the Keratoconus (KC) epidemiology in the 7MM.
• The total diagnosed prevalent population of KC in the seven major markets was estimated to be 1,602,427 in 2017.
• The diagnosed prevalent cases of KC, in the United States, were found to be 550,047 in 2017.
• In 2017, the mild, moderate and severe type of KC, in the United States, were found to be 121,010, 313,527, and 115,510, respectively.
• It was found that in the United States, the maximum number of cases of KC was found in the age group of 30–39 with 181,515 cases in 2017, while the lowest number of cases were found in the age group ≥60 with 16,501 cases in 2017.
• In the EU5 countries, the diagnosed prevalence of KC was found to be maximum in Germany, with 218,772 cases, followed by Italy with 171,676 cases in 2017. The least number of cases were found in Spain, with 105,463 cases in 2017.
• In Japan, the diagnosed prevalence of KC was anticipated to be 240,591 in 2017.

Country Wise- Keratoconus (KC) Epidemiology
The epidemiology segment also provides the Keratoconus (KC) epidemiology data and findings across the United States, EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and Japan.
Keratoconus (KC) Drug Chapters
The drug chapter segment of the Keratoconus (KC) report encloses the detailed analysis of Keratoconus (KC) marketed drugs and mid and late stage pipeline drugs. It also helps to understand the Keratoconus (KC) clinical trial details, expressive pharmacological action, agreements and collaborations, approval and patent details of each included drug and the latest news and press releases.
Keratoconus (KC) Marketed Drugs
Photrexa Viscous and Photrexa: Glaukos/ Avedro
Photrexa Viscous (riboflavin 5’-phosphate in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution) and Photrexa (riboflavin 5’-phosphate ophthalmic solution) are photoenhancers indicated for use with the KXL System in corneal collagen cross-linking. The KXL System is an electronic medical device that delivers ultraviolet light (365 nm wavelength) in a circular pattern onto the cornea after riboflavin phosphates ophthalmic solution (Photrexa Viscous and/or Photrexa) has been applied. They are the first and only FDA approved therapeutic treatment of progressive keratoconus (KC) and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery.
Product details in the report…
CE Marked Riboflavin Formulations: Avedro/ Glaukos Corporation
Avedro’s scientifically-developed family of CE marked riboflavin formulations—VibeX Xtra, VibeX Rapid, ParaCel, MedioCROSS TE, MedioCROSS M, MedioCROSS D, and MedioCROSS H—ensure rapid diffusion in individual, sterile syringes for all cross-linking needs. These multiple CE marked riboflavin formulations have set the standard to produce the highest quality riboflavin since the introduction of corneal cross-linking. Avedro’s riboflavin formulations have been used in hundreds of thousands of treatments around the world. The company distributes its products in 62 countries through 33 ophthalmic distributors with 115 sales and service representatives. The products are not for sale in the US.
Product details in the report…
Ricrolin: Sooft Italia
Ricrolin is a hypotonic ophthalmic solution containing Ribofl¬avin (0.1%), specifically formulated to allow quick passage of Riboflavin into the corneal stroma, either through the healthy epithelium or after de-epithelization or even by using a low-intensity electrical field applied topically (iontophoresis). This solution, used on the eye, combined with an emitter of ultraviolet (UV-A) rays, is indicated for the conservative parasurgical treatment of the keratoconus and of corneal ectasia diseases. When administering Ricrolin using iontophoresis, the transepithelial riboflavin penetration, aided by the application of a low-intensity electric field, facilitates the corneal cross-linking operation by shortening absorption time, thereby reducing patient discomfort.
Product details in the report…
Collagex Riboflavin: Lightmed_OptiMed
Lightmed developed Collagex riboflavin (vitamin B2) family, which is an essential component of any corneal cross‐linking procedure. It is considered as the purest and most advanced riboflavin in the market and is redefined as the ultra hi-quality riboflavin solution. It is supplied in a convenient glass syringe applicator and individually packed in sterile pouches available for use in conjunction with LightMed LightLink CXL corneal cross linking system, or as generic formula. The product is exclusively produced and packaged by a “Class II” GMP accredited Manufacturing Pharmacy under fully aseptic conditions. This Collagex family consists of several products that are distinguished based on their compositions. These products include Collagex—Isotonic, Collagex—Hypotonic, Collagex—Trans-Epithelial (TE), Collagex—Rapid, and Collagex—Plus.
Product details in the report…
Peschke Riboflavin Solutions: Peschke Meditrade GmbH
Peschke Riboflavin solutions initialize the formation of new collagen cross-links and protect the eye against the UV-A light applied during the corneal cross-linking procedure. These solutions are available in the various formulations, namely, Peschke TE, Peschke M, Peschke D, Peschke H and Peschke L. These Peschke Riboflavin solution formulations are used in conjunction with the PXL Platinum 330 system. The PXL Platinum 330 treatment is intended to induce corneal collagen cross-linking to improve the biomechanical properties of the cornea by strengthening the corneal tissue in the anterior stroma. This cross-linking procedure is useful for treating Corneal Ectasia, Keratoconus, Iatrogenic Ectasia, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD), and Infectious keratitis.
Product details in the report…
Keratoconus (KC) Emerging Drugs
IVMED-80: iVeena Delivery Systems
IVMED-80 is the first twice-daily, eye-drop, non-surgical, non-UV light treatment for medical crosslinking of the cornea. The drug, with its copper-based formulation, is reportedly the first eye drop designed to treat keratoconus (KC) without the need for adjunctive laser treatment or surgical intervention. IVMED-80’s mechanism of action centers on enhancing the activity of lysyl oxidase (LOX) – the enzyme responsible for corneal collagen crosslinking, and also known to be associated with KC and copper, which is a co-factor of LOX, is the active ingredient of the drug. In February 2019, the company announced the commencement of a 36 patient phase I/IIa pilot clinical study for the treatment of mild and moderate KC (IVMED-80) and presented an abstract of the trial in the 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting.
Product details in the report…
Keratoconus (KC) Market Outlook
According to the Cornea Research Foundation of America, Keratoconus (KCN) is a disease characterized by thinning and protrusion of the cornea, resulting in an irregular, conical shape. Irregular astigmatism occurs as the KC progresses, and results in blurred vision, which can be impossible to correct with spectacles. Usually, keratoconus occurs in both eyes, and involves the central cornea with the apex of the cone just below the visual axis. Approximately 50–200 of every 100,000 people are afflicted with KC. In the US, a study found a prevalence of 54.5 per 100,000 people.
The current treatment option includes the use of cornea cross-linking, intrastromal corneal ring segments, and other combined treatments, which provide the corneal clinicians a variety of treatment options for the visual rehabilitation of KC patients. In the mildest form of keratoconus, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses are preferred. But as the disease progresses and the cornea thins and becomes increasingly more irregular in shape, glasses and regular soft contact lens designs no longer provide adequate vision correction. The treatment of progressive KC includes corneal collagen cross-linking or CXL, custom soft contact lenses, gas permeable contact lenses, “Piggy backing”, contact lenses, Hybrid contact lenses, Scleral and semi-scleral lenses, Prosthetic lenses, Topography-guided conductive keratoplasty (CK), and corneal transplant.
In addition to these therapies, the US FDA has approved Avedro’s Photrexa and Photrexa Viscous photoenhancers indicated for use with the KXL System in corneal collagen cross-linking for the treatment of patients with progressive KC and post-LASIK ectasia. Although the EMA does not approve this therapy; however, it was used in Europe way before its FDA approval in April 2016 as a CE marked product.
Cross-linking is approved by the FDA for halting the progression of KC. Once the condition progresses, FDA has approved Intacs or a cornea transplant as more advanced treatment options. Crosslinking utilizes riboflavin drops (Vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light, which interact with the corneal tissue to create “cross-links” between corneal proteins. This strengthens the cornea, which is weak in keratoconus, to decrease KC progression.
In addition to standard riboflavin formulations comparable to the US FDA-approved ophthalmic solutions, a variety of modified riboflavin formulations are in use in regions outside the United States and are regulated under the CE Mark in the European Union. These formulations have not been evaluated by the US FDA and are not approved for sale in the United States. These formulations include the Avedro’s family of CE marked riboflavin (VibeX Xtra, VibeX Rapid, ParaCel, MedioCROSS TE, MedioCROSS M, MedioCROSS D, and MedioCROSS H), Lightmed’s Collagex riboflavin (vitamin B2) family of products which includes- Collagex—Isotonic, Collagex—Hypotonic, Collagex—Trans-Epithelial (TE), Collagex—Rapid, and Collagex—Plus and Sooft Italia’s Ricrolin.
Other than these CE marked products that are being marketed in Europe, Peschke Riboflavin is also available in the European market. These solutions are also available in different formulations, namely Peschke TE, Peschke M, Peschke D, Peschke H, and Peschke L.. These Peschke Riboflavin solution formulations are used in conjunction with the PXL Platinum 330 system.
The current pipeline holds a major unmet need for the novel and potential emerging therapy. The emerging emerging-market holds IVMED-80, which is under development by iVeena Delivery Systems to treat KC without the need for adjunctive laser treatment or surgical intervention. The drug is in phase I/II clinical-developmental trial.
Key Findings
This section includes a glimpse of the Keratoconus (KC) 7MM market.
• The market size of KC in the seven major markets was estimated to be USD 2,456 million in 2017.
• The United States accounted for the largest market size of KC in comparison to EU5 (the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and Japan.
• In 2017, among the EU5 countries, Germany had the largest market size with USD 280 million, while Spain had the smallest market size of KC with USD 135 million.
• The Japan KC market accounted for USD 299 million in 2017.

The United States Market Outlook
This section provides the total Keratoconus (KC) market size and market size by therapies in the United States.
EU-5 Market Outlook
The total Keratoconus (KC) market size and market size by therapies in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are provided in this section.
Japan Market Outlook
The total Keratoconus (KC) market size and market size by therapies in Japan are provided.
Keratoconus (KC) Drugs Uptake
This section focusses on the rate of uptake of the potential drugs recently launched in the Keratoconus (KC) market or expected to get launched in the market during the study period 2017–2030. The analysis covers Keratoconus (KC) market uptake by drugs; patient uptake by therapies; and sales of each drug.
This helps in understanding the drugs with the most rapid uptake, reasons behind the maximal use of new drugs and allow the comparison of the drugs on the basis of market share and size which again will be useful in investigating factors important in market uptake and in making financial and regulatory decisions.
Keratoconus (KC) Development Activities
The report provides insights into different therapeutic candidates in phase II, and phase III stage. It also analyzes key players involved in developing targeted therapeutics.
Pipeline Development Activities
The report covers the detailed information of collaborations, acquisition and merger, licensing and patent details for Keratoconus (KC) emerging therapies.
Competitive Intelligence Analysis
We perform competitive and market Intelligence analysis of the Keratoconus (KC) market by using various competitive intelligence tools that include–SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, Porter’s five forces, BCG Matrix, Market entry strategies, etc. The inclusion of the analysis entirely depends upon the data availability.
Scope of the Report
• The report covers the descriptive overview of Keratoconus (KC), explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis and currently available therapies.
• Comprehensive insight has been provided into the Keratoconus (KC) epidemiology and treatment.
• Additionally, an all-inclusive account of both the current and emerging therapies for Keratoconus (KC) are provided, along with the assessment of new therapies, which will have an impact on the current treatment landscape.
• A detailed review of Keratoconus (KC) market; historical and forecasted is included in the report, covering the 7MM drug outreach.
• The report provides an edge while developing business strategies, by understanding trends shaping and driving the 7MM Keratoconus (KC) market.
Report Highlights
• In the coming years, Keratoconus (KC) market is set to change due to the rising awareness of the disease, and incremental healthcare spending across the world; which would expand the size of the market to enable the drug manufacturers to penetrate more into the market.
• The companies and academics are working to assess challenges and seek opportunities that could influence Keratoconus (KC) R&D. The therapies under development are focused on novel approaches to treat/improve the disease condition.
• As per DelveInsight’s analysis, KC, based on its severity, can be categorized into three types, namely, mild, moderate and severe.
• Delvelnsight has also analysed age-specific data of KC, according to which the overall diagnosed population of KC can be segmented into separate age groups, namely, <20, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and ≥60. Further analysis of this data suggests that KC is more prevalent among the 30–39 age group.
• The current treatment option for KC includes Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS), Corneal reshaping and Cross-Linking (CXL) along with Riboflavin solutions + UV Light, Keratoplasty and Others (Antihistamine/mast cell–stabilizing topical medications, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)).
• The emerging pipeline of KC market possess only one therapy, namely, IVMED-80 Eye Drop, which is being developed by iVeena Delivery Systems. It is non-surgical, non-UV light treatment for medical cross-linking of the cornea. This therapy is currently in its phase I/II clinical developmental stage.
Keratoconus (KC) Report Insights
• Patient Population
• Therapeutic Approaches
• Keratoconus (KC) Pipeline Analysis
• Keratoconus (KC) Market Size and Trends
• Market Opportunities
• Impact of upcoming Therapies
Keratoconus (KC) Report Key Strengths
• Eleven Years Forecast
• 7MM Coverage
• Keratoconus (KC) Epidemiology Segmentation
• Key Cross Competition
• Highly Analyzed Market
• Drugs Uptake
Keratoconus (KC) Report Assessment
• Current Treatment Practices
• Unmet Needs
• Pipeline Product Profiles
• Market Attractiveness
• Market Drivers and Barriers
Key Questions
Market Insights:
• What was the Keratoconus (KC) market share (%) distribution in 2017 and how it would look like in 2030?
• What would be the Keratoconus (KC) total market size as well as market size by therapies across the 7MM during the forecast period (2020–2030)?
• What are the key findings pertaining to the market across the 7MM and which country will have the largest Keratoconus (KC) market size during the forecast period (2020–2030)?
• At what CAGR, the Keratoconus (KC) market is expected to grow at the 7MM level during the forecast period (2020–2030)?
• What would be the Keratoconus (KC) market outlook across the 7MM during the forecast period (2020–2030)?
• What would be the Keratoconus (KC) market growth till 2030 and what will be the resultant market size in the year 2030?
• How would the market drivers, barriers and future opportunities affect the market dynamics and subsequent analysis of the associated trends?

Epidemiology Insights:
• What is the disease risk, burden and unmet needs of Keratoconus (KC)?
• What is the historical Keratoconus (KC) patient pool in the United States, EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK) and Japan?
• What would be the forecasted patient pool of Keratoconus (KC) at the 7MM level?
• What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM with respect to the patient population pertaining to Keratoconus (KC)?
• Out of the above-mentioned countries, which country would have the highest prevalent population of Keratoconus (KC) during the forecast period (2020–2030)?
• At what CAGR the population is expected to grow across the 7MM during the forecast period (2020–2030)?
Current Treatment Scenario, Marketed Drugs and Emerging Therapies:
• What are the current options for the treatment of Keratoconus (KC) along with the approved therapy?
• What are the current treatment guidelines for the treatment of Keratoconus (KC) in the US and Europe?
• What are the Keratoconus (KC) marketed drugs and their MOA, regulatory milestones, product development activities, advantages, disadvantages, safety and efficacy, etc.?
• How many companies are developing therapies for the treatment of Keratoconus (KC)?
• How many therapies are developed by each company for the treatment of Keratoconus (KC)?
• How many emerging therapies are in the mid-stage and late stage of development for the treatment of Keratoconus (KC)?
• What are the key collaborations (Industry–Industry, Industry–Academia), Mergers and acquisitions, licensing activities related to the Keratoconus (KC) therapies?
• What are the recent novel therapies, targets, mechanisms of action and technologies developed to overcome the limitation of existing therapies?
• What are the clinical studies going on for Keratoconus (KC) and their status?
• What are the key designations that have been granted for the emerging therapies for Keratoconus (KC)?
• What are the 7MM historical and forecasted market of Keratoconus (KC)?
Reasons to buy
• The report will help in developing business strategies by understanding trends shaping and driving the Keratoconus (KC).
• To understand the future market competition in the Keratoconus (KC) market and Insightful review of the key market drivers and barriers.
• Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the best opportunities for Keratoconus (KC) in the US, Europe (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom) and Japan.
• Identification of strong upcoming players in the market will help in devising strategies that will help in getting ahead of competitors.
• Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the best opportunities for Keratoconus (KC) market.
• To understand the future market competition in the Keratoconus (KC) market.