Scleral Lens Market Share and Forecast by 2030

[Research Report] The scleral lens market size was valued at US$  257.96 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$  373.94 million by 2030; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 4.8% during 2022–2030.

Market Insights and Analyst View on Scleral Lens Market Analysis:

Scleral lenses are a category of contact lens which designed to cover the cornea and the eye's sclera. These lenses are generally larger in comparison to traditional contact lenses. Due to this large size, scleral lenses provide a stable and comfortable fit for those with corneal irregularities or those who suffer from diseases that cause dry eye syndrome. Scleral lenses are rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. Scleral lenses are moderately firmer than soft contact lenses and have the same benefits that RGP lenses commonly have over soft lenses. They are more durable, easier to handle, provide crisper vision, and have less risk of complications. The increasing prescription of scleral lenses (SLs) with advanced LZ designs is anticipated to be a global scleral lens market trend.  

Factors Affecting the Scleral Lens Market Growth

Growth Drivers:

Rising Incidence of Dry Eye Disease

The incidence of dry eye is rising among the population, especially in developed nations. Dry eye is caused by multiple factors that result in discomfort, irritation, and visual disturbance. For instance, in April 2020, according to a study “National Health and Wellness Survey” conducted in the US, ~16.4 million people were diagnosed with dry eye. The data also stated that the prevalence has increased by 2.7% among people aged 18−34. Additionally, the prevalence was 18.6% among older people. Based on sex, the prevalence percentage was higher in women (8.8%) than in men (4.5%).

The incidence of dry eye is the highest among the European and Asia Pacific populations. The Middle East & Africa also has an increasing prevalence of dry eye due to chronic health conditions and environmental conditions. According to an article published in 2019 by the Department of Research, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the incidence of dry eye is high among women. The primary cause of dry eye is the medication for glaucoma.

Scleral lenses are designed to vault over the cornea and gently rest on the sclera. Scleral lenses create a dome-shaped reservoir of fluid between the lens and cornea. This tear-filled chamber can provide a barrier that functions as a protective layer for the eye to help keep the eyes hydrated and prevent dryness-related damage.

Scleral lenses are manufactured from a gas-permeable material that enables oxygen to flow freely to the eye, which is important for keeping eyes healthy and comfortable. Scleral lenses can also be part of dry eye treatment. Patients can use them with artificial tears or optometrist-recommended solutions such as intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment to unblock meibomian glands. Thus, the increasing prevalence of dry eye disease is expected to drive the scleral lens market growth.

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Scleral Lens Market: Strategic Insights

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Scleral Lens Market Report Segmentation and Scope:

The "Scleral Lens Market" is segmented based on type, application, and end user. Based on product, the market is segmented into corneo-scleral and semi-scleral lenses, mini-scleral lenses, and large scleral lenses. The market is segmented by application into ocular surface disease, irregular cornea, refractive error, and others. By end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, eye clinics, and others.

Scleral Lens Market Analysis based on the Segmental Share:

By type, the market is segmented into corneo-scleral and semi-scleral lenses, mini-scleral lenses, and large scleral lenses. The mini-scleral lenses segment held the largest in the scleral lens market share in 2022 and is projected to register the highest CAGR during 2022–2030. Mini-scleral lenses are highly customized for comfort, optimum vision, and ocular health. Mini-scleral lenses are inserted with particular nonpreserved fluid beneath them, which stays trapped beneath the lens all day. These lenses are even of great advantage to those with dry eyes, as this trapped reservoir of tears beneath a mini-scleral lens can alleviate dry eye symptoms and help treat this often debilitating eye condition.   

In terms of application, the scleral lens market is segmented into ocular surface disease, irregular cornea, refractive error, and others. The irregular cornea segment held the largest scleral lens market share in 2022 and is expected to record the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Mini-scleral lenses are highly customized for comfort, optimum vision, and ocular health. Mini-scleral lenses are inserted with particular nonpreserved fluid beneath them, which stays trapped beneath the lens all day. These lenses are even of great advantage to those with dry eyes, as this trapped reservoir of tears beneath a mini-scleral lens can alleviate dry eye symptoms and help treat this often debilitating eye condition.  

Based on the end user, the scleral lens market is segmented into hospitals, eye clinics, and others. The hospital segment held the largest share of the market in 2022 and is expected to register the highest CAGR in the market from 2022 to 2030. Hospitals encompass various medical facilities, ranging from community hospitals to large academic medical centers. They serve as major end users of scleral lenses. Multi-specialty hospitals offer treatments for various eye conditions; ophthalmologists treat thousands of patients with various eye conditions. Treatments are easily done in the hospitals due to the availability of the best doctors and assisting staff; other hospital services have also been provided. The other services, such as reimbursement, cost of hospital stay, and others, are taken care of with less struggle for the patients. Also, the hospitals create awareness about all the diseases and their related symptoms. Thus, owing to these factors, the hospital segment is likely to grow during the forecast period.

Scleral Lens Market Outlook Based on Regional Analysis:

Based on geography, the scleral lens market report is segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, North America, and South & Central America. 2022 North America held the largest share of the market. Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2022–2030.   

North America's scleral lens market is split into the US, Canada, and Mexico. The US is the largest market for scleral lenses in North America. The market is driven by the increasing incidence of dry eye conditions among people and the rising prevalence of cancer. Other factors, such as the introduction of advanced equipment in healthcare, a higher number of hospitals, and the implementation of strategic government policies, also aid in promoting the expansion of the market. Additionally, rising healthcare expenditures are influencing the scleral lens market growth in the US.

Emphasis on using a scleral lens is also expected to fuel the scleral lens market growth during the estimated period. Refractive errors are the most frequent eye problems in the US. Refractive errors include myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances), and presbyopia, which occurs between the ages of 40–50 years. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery can correct these. Refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, common due to increasing stress on the eyes and the lack of nutrition in the diet. As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 34 million Americans aged 40 and older are myopic, i.e., 23.9% of that population. In addition, refractive error occurs in about 1 in 3 people and may occur in combination with near or farsightedness. Eye conditions such as vision impairment, blindness, and poor vision are increasing the adoption of scleral lenses in the US. The National Eye Institute states that proper refractive correction could improve vision among 150 million Americans.

Furthermore, a substantial increase in the aging population in Canada is expected to drive the demand for scleral lenses as aging has a significant impact on eye health. Statistics Canada estimated that older people are expected to account for ~23–25% of the population by 2036 and ~24–28% by 2061. Also, eye disorders are increasing in children due to the lack of nutrition, less physical activity, and the increasing use of smartphones. Thus, the growing aging population is expected to drive the scleral lens market growth.     

Further, Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the scleral lens market forecast. The market growth in Asia Pacific is attributed to the growing prevalence of dry eyes and various eye diseases in countries such as Australia and India. Additionally, the growing geriatric population, developing healthcare infrastructure, and increasing investments to boost research activities will drive the Asia Pacific market during the forecast period.   

Scleral Lens Market Regional Insights

The regional trends and factors influencing the Scleral Lens Market throughout the forecast period have been thoroughly explained by the analysts at The Insight Partners. This section also discusses Scleral Lens Market segments and geography across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.

Scleral Lens Market Report Scope

Scleral Lens Market Players Density: Understanding Its Impact on Business Dynamics

The Scleral Lens Market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.

Market players density refers to the distribution of firms or companies operating within a particular market or industry. It indicates how many competitors (market players) are present in a given market space relative to its size or total market value.

Major Companies operating in the Scleral Lens Market are:

1. Art Optical Contact Lens Inc
2. Euclid Systems
3. Bausch & Lomb
4. Cooper Vision
5. Acculens

Disclaimer: The companies listed above are not ranked in any particular order.

Industry Developments and Future Opportunities: 

Various initiatives taken by key players operating in the global scleral lens market report are listed below: 

1. In October 2023, Alcon launched TOTAL30 Multifocal globally. Alcon’s TOTAL30 Multifocal lenses are specially positioned in the market, presenting Alcon’s premium Water Gradient innovation at a more accessible price point than monthly lenses. The lenses have begun to roll out in the United States and select international markets. 
2. In February 2023, Visionary Optics launched Europa Tangent, a new scleral lens that provides a three-zone step system for optimal fitting and customizable design. According to the company, the new lens enables eye care providers to adjust parameters in the limbal, central, and landing zones without affecting other fit factors.
3. In November 2022, Carter Ledyard's client CooperVision, Inc. acquired SynergEyes, Inc. SynergEyes offers a wide range of specialty contact lenses that include proprietary hybrid lenses, complementing Onefit scleral lenses of CooperVision. The acquisition extends CooperVision’s extensive product and service range to create a complete portfolio for treating irregular cornea and keratoconus.
4. In June 2022, CooperVision announced the acquisition of EnsEyes, a supplier of orthokeratology and scleral contact lenses. The acquisition of EnsEyes will help CooperVision accelerate the growth of specialty lens adoption across the Nordic markets.
5. In January 2022, SynergEyes, Inc., a leading specialty contact lens technology company, launched three innovative products for the SynergEyes VS scleral lens: SynergEyes VS Multifocal,  Aberration Control, and Limbal Clearance Factor options.
6. In August 2022, CooperVision Specialty Eye Care launched Beyond the Limbus (BTL), a new series of workshops focused on scleral lens consultation, fitting, and practice management. The BTL dual-tracked series offers intermediate-to-advanced training to step up the scleral lens game and basic training for support staff and eye care professionals (ECPs) not exposed to scleral contact lenses. The workshops are available to ECPs in the US and Canada, aiming to enhance ECP confidence with the Onefit family of scleral contact lenses.
7. In June 2022, Euclid Vision Corp., specializing in advanced myopia and orthokeratology management, acquired Visionary Optics, the pioneer of scleral contact lenses. The companies will maintain their brands in the union. They will collaborate on future projects highlighting core professional education missions, partnerships with eye care professionals, and product innovation. This union opens exciting opportunities for innovation and cross-company collaboration.  

Competitive Landscape and Key Companies:

Art Optical Contact Lens Inc., Euclid Systems, Bausch & Lomb, Cooper Vision, Acculens, Solotica, ABB Optical Group, EssilorLuxottica, Optact International Ltd., and Valley Contax Inc. are among the prominent companies operating in scleral lens the market. These companies focus on new technologies, existing product advancements, and geographic expansions to meet the growing consumer demand worldwide.