Scleral Lens Market 2025 Trends and Forecasts 2033: Analyzing Growth Opportunities

Key Insights

The Scleral Lens Market size was valued at USD 208.4 USD million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 800.60 USD million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 21.2 % during the forecast period. A scleral lens is a relatively giant contact lens that is positioned on the sclera which is the white component of the eye, and extends over the cornea. Scleral lenses are mostly prescribed for patients experiencing corneal irregularities, severe dry eye or any other ocular surface disorder. There are different categories, occurring as corneo-scleral as well as full scleral lenses, all of which are intended for particular eye issues. With a rigid, gas permeable material, these lenses have a tear reservoir between the lens and the cornea to constantly bathe the cornea thus being able to provide clear vision. Scleral lenses contribute to such advantages as increased comfort, better visual quality, and eye surface preservation. Newmarket trends demonstrate a rise in bespoke scleral lenses, attributable to boosted diagnostic skills in imaging and improved awareness of therapeutic uses among patients and practitioners.

Scleral Lens Trends

• Increasing prevalence of eye diseases such as keratoconus
• Rising adoption of scleral lenses in post-refractive surgery
• Technological advancements in lens design and manufacturing

Driving Forces: What's Propelling the Scleral Lens Market

• Escalating Prevalence of Corneal Irregularities: The persistent rise in conditions like keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, severe dry eye disease, and post-surgical corneal complications directly fuels the demand for scleral lenses, which offer superior comfort and visual correction for these challenging cases.
• Pioneering Technological Advancements: Continuous innovation in scleral lens design, including sophisticated CAD/CAM systems, advanced material science (e.g., hyper-Dk materials), custom manufacturing processes, and improved wavefront optics, are leading to lenses that offer unprecedented levels of personalized fit, enhanced oxygen permeability, superior comfort, and optimized visual acuity.
• Heightened Clinical Expertise and Patient Advocacy: A growing body of clinical research, coupled with increased educational outreach to eye care professionals and patient advocacy groups, is significantly raising awareness about the transformative therapeutic and visual benefits of scleral lenses. This amplified understanding is a key driver for wider adoption.
• Expanding Reimbursement and Accessibility: As the therapeutic efficacy of scleral lenses becomes more widely recognized, insurance providers are increasingly incorporating them into their coverage plans. This broader insurance access is making these advanced vision correction devices more affordable and attainable for a larger patient population.
• Growing Adoption for Post-Refractive Surgery Complications: Scleral lenses are increasingly being prescribed to manage visual aberrations and discomfort following refractive surgeries, further contributing to market growth.
• Surge in Demand for Dry Eye Management: The prevalence of severe dry eye disease, often unresponsive to conventional treatments, is a significant driver, with scleral lenses offering a unique solution by creating a fluid reservoir that bathes the ocular surface.

Challenges and Restraints in Scleral Lens Market

• High cost of scleral lenses: Scleral lenses are typically more expensive than soft contact lenses, which can limit their affordability for some patients.
• Complexity of fitting: Scleral lens fitting requires specialized training and expertise, which can be a barrier to entry for new practitioners.
• Long fitting process: The fitting process for scleral lenses can be time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients.

Emerging Trends in Scleral Lens

• Customized contact lenses: The use of customized scleral lenses, designed specifically for each patient's eye, is gaining popularity.
• Scleral lenses for cosmetic purposes: Scleral lenses are being increasingly used to enhance the appearance of the eyes, especially in patients with corneal scarring or other eye conditions.

Growth Catalysts in Scleral Lens Industry

• Government initiatives and support: Governmental programs aimed at improving eye health and vision care are stimulating market growth through increased funding and awareness campaigns.
• Collaboration and research partnerships: Synergies between scleral lens manufacturers, research institutions, and ophthalmologists are fostering innovation, leading to the development of next-generation lens technologies.
• Digitalization and remote monitoring: The integration of digital tools and remote patient monitoring systems is enhancing accessibility, convenience, and personalized care.
• Expanding applications: Scleral lenses are increasingly being used for therapeutic purposes beyond corneal conditions, including ocular surface disorders and refractive surgery complications.

Market Segmentation: Scleral Lens Analysis

Type:

• Mini
• Large

End User:

• Hospital
• Eye Clinic
• Others

Leading Players in the Scleral Lens Market

• Bausch Health Companies Inc. (Canada)
• Essilor (France)
• ABB Optical Group (U.S.)
• Blanchard Lab (U.S.)
• Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc. (U.S.)
• Visionary Optics (U.S.)
• BostonSight (U.S.)
• TruForm Optics Inc. (U.S.)
• SynergEyes (U.S.)
• AccuLens (U.S.)

Significant Developments in Scleral Lens Sector

• In 2022, Bausch Health unveiled a new line of mini scleral lenses designed specifically for patients with corneal irregularities.
• In 2023, Essilor acquired Visionary Optics, a leading provider of custom-made scleral lenses.
• Recently, new non-invasive imaging techniques have been developed to enhance the fitting and monitoring of scleral lenses.

Comprehensive Coverage Scleral Lens Market Report

Our comprehensive market report offers an exhaustive exploration and in-depth analysis of the global scleral lens market, encompassing the following critical aspects:

• Detailed Market Size and Future Projections: Precise historical data and robustly forecasted market valuations, including revenue and unit sales, with granular segmentation by product type, material, design, and application.
• In-depth Regional Market Analysis: Comprehensive breakdown of market dynamics, growth opportunities, and challenges across key geographical regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
• Segmentation, Growth Catalysts, and Restraining Factors: A thorough examination of market segmentation, identifying the primary drivers of growth, emerging trends, and potential impediments that could influence market trajectory.
• Evolving Industry Landscape: Trends, Innovations, and Hurdles: Critical insights into the latest technological breakthroughs, emerging clinical applications, evolving manufacturing techniques, and the significant challenges and regulatory considerations shaping the industry.
• Keen Competitive Intelligence and Strategic Positioning: A detailed overview of the competitive landscape, profiling key market players, their product portfolios, recent strategic initiatives, market share analysis, and their anticipated future strategies.
• Unmet Needs and Future Opportunities: Identification of underserved market segments and emerging opportunities for innovation and business development within the scleral lens sector.

Regional Insight

The global scleral lens market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America and Europe currently hold the largest market share, but Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period.

DROCT

• Drivers: Growing prevalence of eye diseases and technological advancements
• Restraint: High cost of scleral lenses
• Opportunities: Customization and cosmetic applications
• Challenges: Complex fitting process and limited availability

Pricing Analysis

The price of scleral lenses varies depending on the type, material, and customization level. The average cost of a scleral lens ranges from USD 1,500 to USD 4,000.

Import And Export Analysis

The United States is the largest importer of scleral lenses, while China is the major exporter. Other key exporters include Germany, Japan, and Canada.