The scleral lens market was valued at approximately US$ 257.96 million in 2022 and is projected to grow to US$ 373.94 million by 2030, reflecting an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2022 to 2030.

This report outlines the current trends and key factors contributing to the growth of the scleral lens market. The expansion of applications for treating ocular disorders, coupled with advancements in lens technology, is significantly influencing the market's growth trajectory. Furthermore, the trend towards customization and personalization of scleral lenses is expected to gain momentum throughout the forecast period. However, the high price point of scleral lenses poses a challenge to market expansion from 2022 to 2030.

The increasing prevalence of dry eye syndrome is a major driver for market growth during the forecast period.

Dry eye syndrome is becoming more common, particularly in developed countries. This condition can arise from various factors, leading to discomfort, irritation, and visual disturbances. For example, a study published in April 2020, titled "National Health and Wellness Survey," indicated that around 16.4 million individuals in the United States have been diagnosed with dry eye. The study also noted a 2.7% increase in prevalence among younger adults aged 18 to 34, while the rate was 18.6% among older adults. Notably, women are more affected, with a prevalence rate of 8.8% compared to 4.5% in men.

The highest rates of dry eye syndrome are observed in populations across Europe and the Asia Pacific region. The Middle East and Africa are also experiencing rising cases, often linked to chronic health issues and environmental factors. A 2019 article from the Department of Research at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlighted that women are particularly susceptible to dry eye, often exacerbated by glaucoma medications.

Scleral lenses are specifically designed to vault over the cornea and rest gently on the sclera, creating a dome-shaped reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea. This tear-filled space acts as a protective barrier, helping to keep the eyes hydrated and preventing damage associated with dryness.

Manufactured from gas-permeable materials, scleral lenses allow oxygen to flow freely to the eye, which is crucial for maintaining eye health and comfort. They can also be utilized as part of a treatment regimen for dry eye, often in conjunction with artificial tears or other optometrist-recommended therapies, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments aimed at unblocking meibomian glands. Consequently, the rising incidence of dry eye is anticipated to propel the scleral lens market forward.

A notable trend in the global scleral lens market is the increasing prescription of scleral lenses (SLs) featuring advanced landing zone (LZ) designs.

Eye care professionals are increasingly recommending scleral lenses with sophisticated LZ designs. The Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice Evaluation study conducted an online survey among eye specialists attending a specialized contact lens meeting from November 8, 2019, to March 31, 2020. The survey gathered demographic data and insights on lens diameters, LZ designs, SL evaluation components, and recommended care products. Out of 715 participants, a significant majority (63%) prescribed lenses with diameters of 16 mm or larger. The most frequently prescribed designs were toric LZs (48%), followed by spherical (40%), quadrant-specific (8%), and impression-based designs (3%). Additionally, 61% of respondents recommended hydrogen peroxide products for lens care, while single-use vials of nonpreserved saline were commonly suggested for filling the lens before application. Intraocular pressure was measured by 45% of participants during SL evaluations, and 38% routinely assessed corneal thickness.

Most eye care specialists advocate for the use of single-use vials of nonpreserved saline and hydrogen peroxide-based disinfection systems for lens application and maintenance. The report suggests that despite variations in SL evaluation components, a consensus among clinicians on essential evaluation criteria could be beneficial.

Report Segmentation and Scope -

The "global scleral lens market" is categorized based on type, application, and end user. The product segmentation includes corneo-scleral, semi-scleral, mini-scleral, and large scleral lenses. Applications are divided into ocular surface disease, irregular cornea, refractive error, and others. The end-user segmentation includes hospitals, eye clinics, and other facilities.

In terms of product type, mini-scleral lenses dominated the market share in 2022 and are expected to exhibit the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. These lenses are highly customized for comfort, optimal vision, and ocular health. They are designed to hold a specific nonpreserved fluid beneath them, which remains trapped throughout the day, providing significant relief for individuals suffering from dry eye symptoms.

Regarding applications, the irregular cornea segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Mini-scleral lenses, in particular, are beneficial for those with dry eyes, as the reservoir of tears beneath the lens can alleviate symptoms and aid in treatment.

By end user, hospitals accounted for the largest share of the scleral lens market in 2022 and are expected to see the highest growth rate from 2022 to 2030. Hospitals, ranging from community facilities to large academic centers, are key users of scleral lenses, with ophthalmologists treating numerous patients with various eye conditions. The comprehensive services provided by hospitals, including awareness campaigns about eye diseases and their symptoms, contribute to the growth of this segment.

Moreover, advancements by market leaders are likely to enhance market growth. For instance, in July 2020, Cerner introduced CommunityWorks Foundations, a cloud-based scleral lens platform aimed at reducing costs in rural and critical access hospitals. Similarly, in December 2020, Amazon's cloud division launched Amazon HealthLake, a tool designed for healthcare organizations to analyze and search data effectively.

Key players in the scleral lens market include Art Optical Contact Lens Inc., Euclid Systems, Bausch & Lomb, Cooper Vision, Acculens, Solotica, ABB Optical Group, EssilorLuxottica, Optact International Ltd., and Valley Contax Inc.