Estimating the total Glaucoma Surgery Market Size involves more than just counting the number of stents sold; it includes the cost of specialized lasers, surgical instruments, and the facility fees associated with these procedures. Economically, the market is valued in the billions, reflecting the high stakes of vision preservation. The "cost of blindness" to the global economy—in terms of lost productivity and caregiver burden—is astronomically higher than the cost of surgical intervention, which justifies the significant investment in this sector. As more healthcare systems move toward "value-based care," the ability of a surgery to reduce long-term medication costs and prevent disability becomes a primary metric for its economic success. This is why MIGS devices, despite their high upfront cost, are viewed favorably by many economists.

The market size is also being bolstered by the increasing frequency of "repeat" surgeries. Since glaucoma is a progressive disease, some patients may require multiple interventions over their lifetime, such as a laser procedure followed years later by a micro-stent, and eventually a tube shunt. This creates a recurring revenue stream for device manufacturers. Moreover, the emergence of disposable, single-use surgical kits is increasing the "per-procedure" revenue while also improving hygiene and reducing facility turnover times. As emerging markets in Africa and South America begin to establish more formal ophthalmology programs, the accessible market size is expected to expand even further. The convergence of these factors suggests a robust economic future for the sector, with a direct positive impact on global public health and economic stability by reducing the prevalence of preventable vision loss.

What factors contribute to the "cost of blindness" for the global economy? The cost includes lost wages for the visually impaired individual, the economic burden on family caregivers, and the increased cost of social services and specialized healthcare.

Do MIGS procedures help reduce long-term healthcare costs? Yes, by reducing the need for expensive daily medications and preventing the high costs associated with blindness and complex late-stage surgeries, MIGS is considered a value-based intervention.