STAAR Surgical Report Highlights Global Shift from Laser to Lens-Based Vision Correction — STAAR Surgical Company

Event summary

STAAR Surgical released a global report showing a structural shift toward lens-based vision correction, driven by patient demand and clinical trends.
The report analyzed data from 7,800 consumers and clinical studies across seven markets, revealing a decline in laser procedure volumes and increased adoption of phakic IOLs.
In the U.S., laser procedure volume has declined 52% since 2022, while EVO ICL adoption has expanded 76% over the same period.
The report projects global high myopia to approach 1 billion people by 2050, with the largest concentrations in East and Southeast Asia.
STAAR has secured expanded label indications for EVO ICL in key markets, broadening the eligible patient population.

The big picture

The report underscores a significant industry shift from laser-based to lens-based vision correction, driven by patient preferences for safety and reversibility. This transition is supported by clinical data showing the effectiveness of phakic IOLs, particularly in high myopia cases. The structural tailwinds, including the growing population of high myopia patients, suggest a long-term trend that could reshape the refractive surgery market.

What we're watching

Market Transition: The pace at which laser procedure volumes decline and phakic IOL adoption increases in key markets like the U.S. and Europe.
Patient Awareness: Whether STAAR can increase awareness of implantable lens correction in markets with low current awareness, such as Germany and the U.S.
Clinical Adoption: How the expansion of surgeon training and familiarity with phakic IOLs will affect the recommendation and adoption of lens-based correction.