Scleral Lens Market Trends and Forecast
The future of the global scleral lens market looks promising with opportunities in the hospital and eye clinic markets. The global scleral lens market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 15.5% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, the rising demand for custom lenses, and the growing adoption of advanced optics.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, mini-scleral lens is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, eye clinic is expected to witness higher growth.
• In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
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Emerging Trends in the Scleral Lens Market
The market for scleral lens is experiencing a dramatic transformation, fueled by a convergence of technological advancement and increasing recognition of their clinical use. A marginal solution for severe corneal disease, scleral lenses are fast becoming a mass market solution for a broad range of eye ailments. These new trends indicate a movement toward more personalization, better accessibility, and more extensive integration of digital technologies. These advances are not incremental developments; they are essentially redefining the way scleral lenses are designed, fitted, and prescribed, pointing toward an increasingly efficient and effective eye care sector.
• 3D Mapping and Digital Imaging for Fitting: The old trial-and-error technique for fitting scleral lenses is being replaced by sophisticated digital technology. Corneal topography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are now increasingly being employed by practitioners to take accurate 3D maps of the surface of the eye. Allowing for lenses to be custom-made precisely, this information enables the fit to be optimal on the first application. The effect is a more precise and efficient process of fitting, saving chair time for both the practitioner and the patient. This trend also decreases the frequency of having to take multiple lens samples, lowering the cost and enhancing general patient satisfaction and clinical results.
• Broadening of Uses Beyond Irregular Corneas: Although scleral lenses were originally prescribed for diseases such as keratoconus, a current tendency is their broadening use for a host of more ocular problems. They are now commonly prescribed in cases of extreme dry eye syndrome, where the fluid reservoir behind the lens ensures perpetual moisture and comfort. Also, they are applied post-surgery for vision correction, delivering a stable and clear visual platform after surgeries such as corneal transplants. This trend is of primary importance in driving growth, as it greatly broadens the potential patient base for scleral lens products and services.
• Advanced Lens Materials and Surface Coatings: One of the primary developments is the advancement in materials and surface treatments. New high-oxygen-permeable (Dk) materials are under development to provide long-term corneal health by providing more oxygen to the eye. Companies are also designing advanced surface coatings that enhance lens wettability and eliminate protein and lipid deposits. It results in a more comfortable wear experience and lowers the risk of complications such as giant papillary conjunctivitis. This trend is vital in encouraging long-term lens wear and patient compliance.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration: AI is now starting to take a revolutionary role in the scleral lens market. AI algorithms can interpret complicated data from 3D mapping devices to suggest the most optimal lens design and parameters. This minimizes the subjectivity of the fitting process and enhances the first-fit success rate. Machine learning is also employed to analyze patient data in order to predict the ideal lens for a given condition. This trend holds potential to accelerate the fitting process, making it more accurate and very personalized, making specialized lens technology more democratized.
• More Emphasis on Customization and Personalization: The market is shifting from a one-size-fits-all strategy toward highly customized and personalized products. Manufacturers are providing more options in terms of lens designs, diameters, and curvatures to fit each patient’s eye’s distinct anatomy. These include quadrant-specific and Toric haptics to address certain scleral irregularities. The effect of this trend is enhanced patient comfort and visual acuity, hence increased patient satisfaction and loyalty. This personalization is the predominant cause of market premium segment growth.
All these trends together are collectively transforming the scleral lens market by advancing the technology, making it more advanced, accessible, and versatile. Digital imaging and AI are perfecting and automating the fitting process, and innovative materials are making it more comfortable and safe. The broadening of applications is increasing the market reach, and personalization is taking patient care to a new level. The market is transforming from a highly specialized niche to a dynamic and integral part of contemporary optometry.
Recent Development in the Scleral Lens Market
The scleral lens market is now experiencing dynamic development, characterized by a number of significant advances that are all contributing to this vision correction and therapy solution becoming more effective and accessible. These advances are primarily fueled by a combination of technological advances, an expanding appreciation for their clinical value, and attempts to overcome past issues like cost and fitting difficulty. The outcome is a market that not only continues to grow in size but also one that is increasingly sophisticated, providing bespoke solutions to more patients than ever before. These five main advancements are at the center of this market evolution.
• Introduction of Sophisticated Lens Designs and Materials: One key advancement is the introduction of next-generation scleral lenses with improved designs and materials. For instance, certain companies have introduced lenses with Smart Curve technology that are more individualized to fit irregular corneas. Newer materials with increased Dk values are being employed to enhance oxygen transfer to the cornea to minimize risks from extended wear complications. This innovation is affecting the market by providing better solutions for eye health and patient comfort, thereby contributing to greater clinical acceptance and utilization.
• 3D Profilometry Integration and Digital Fitting: The shift from standard fitting sets to digital profilometry is a significant breakthrough. Through a non-contact method, this technology creates a precise topographical map of the scleral surface. With extremely accurate data, it designs a customized lens to be fitted, usually on the initial try. The effect is a smoother and quicker fitting procedure, which is time-saving for both patients and practitioners. This has opened up scleral lens fitting to a wider population of eye care professionals and is paramount in market growth.
• Therapeutic Extension: Therapeutic indications for scleral lenses have grown following recent research and clinical studies. One of the most significant developments is their extensive use for the treatment of severe ocular surface disorders, such as dry eye syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The reservoir of fluid created within the lens is a stable, therapeutic environment that enhances corneal recovery and offers considerable pain and discomfort relief. Such a development has made scleral lenses a vital instrument for medical optometrists and ophthalmologists, thus greatly increasing market demand.
• Expansion in Education and Training Programs: In order to cater to the growing market, educational and training programs for eye care practitioners have seen a remarkable expansion. Manufacturers and professional associations now provide specialized certification and workshops on scleral lens fitting and management. This is filling a long-standing gap: the scarcity of practitioners with the skills required. The consequence is a more competent and self-assured practitioner base, critical to raising the number of patients successfully fitted with scleral lenses as well as to high standards of care.
• Strategic Partnerships and Market Consolidation: Strategic partnerships and consolidation are increasingly being seen in the market. Firms are entering into partnerships to merge their technology, e.g., a scleral lens manufacturer pairing up with a topography device company. There have also been mergers and acquisitions that seek to streamline the supply chain and increase product offerings. This trend is affecting the market by driving innovation, enhancing distribution channels, and developing more integrated solutions for practitioners. It is stabilizing the market and guaranteeing long-term growth.
These trends are having an interdisciplinary impact on the scleral lens market. They are making the product more clinically effective and technologically advanced, which is a key driver of demand. The enhancements in fitting methods and increased applications are opening scleral lens access to more patients. The emphasis on education and strategic alliances is building the market’s infrastructure, and growth will be sustainable and well-supported by an educated professional base.
Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Scleral Lens Market
The scleral lens market offers a diverse range of strategic growth opportunities among major applications based on their singular capability to treat sophisticated vision and ocular surface health problems. These opportunities stem from taking advantage of scleral lenses’ inherent benefits and applying them to new or unaddressed patient segments. Taking advantage of these opportunities involves the convergence of technological innovation, purposeful marketing, and eye care community collaboration.
• Pediatric Scleral Lens Applications: There is considerable and very underdeveloped growth potential in the pediatric market. Scleral lenses can offer good visual acuity and comfort to children with extreme corneal irregularities, like those that happen with congenital conditions or trauma. They can also be employed in controlling high refractive errors or in yielding a stable visual platform for amblyopia treatment. The strategic potential is to create and sell pediatric-specific scleral lenses of smaller diameters and more manageable designs. This calls for intense education among parents and pediatric eye care professionals of the long-term value this treatment holds.
• Post-Refractive Surgery and Keratoplasty Management: One growth area is the use of scleral lenses for rehabilitation of vision following corneal refractive surgery, e.g., LASIK, or after a corneal transplant (keratoplasty). These procedures frequently result in patients having substantial irregular astigmatism, which cannot be corrected by standard glasses or contact lenses. Scleral lenses offer a smooth, stable optical surface that vaults over such irregularities, providing better vision and comfort. The potential is to join forces with corneal surgeons and post-operative care facilities to make scleral lenses the gold-standard solution for vision correction after surgery.
• Management of Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome: The increasing worldwide prevalence of chronic dry eye disease is a major growth opportunity. Scleral lenses work very well for severe cases since the reservoir of fluid they form constantly lubricates the ocular surface, safeguarding it from the outside world. This is a very effective relief of pain, grittiness, and other symptoms. The strategic potential is to reach this enormous patient base by informing general optometrists and ophthalmologists of the therapeutic value of scleral lenses in dry eye. Targeted marketing and educational programs can make this happen.
• Therapeutic Application in Ocular Surface Disease: In addition to dry eye, the greatest potential is for extending the application of scleral lenses to a series of other ocular surface conditions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, and neurotrophic keratitis. In these individuals, the scleral lens is not only a correction of the eyesight but a salvaging medical device that facilitates healing of the cornea and avoids exacerbating the condition. The potential is to collaborate with specialized research institutions and medical centers to create and demonstrate the effectiveness of scleral lenses in these advanced therapeutic uses.
• Myopia Control in Children: There is emerging evidence that specific scleral lens designs may be used in myopia control by modifying peripheral retinal defocus. This is an emerging area of research with major market opportunity, considering the global epidemic of myopia. The strategic potential is for firms to invest in R&D to develop scleral lenses exclusively for the management of myopia. This would not only place the product as a vision correction solution but also as a preventative and therapeutic device, creating a new and high-growth market segment.
These strategic opportunities for growth are transforming the scleral lens market by fueling innovation and expanding its use beyond classic indications. By concentrating efforts in these areas, businesses are able to produce specialized, high-value products commanding a premium price and meeting important unmet medical needs. This is making the market move from a specialty niche to a more mainstream and critical part of contemporary eye care, guaranteeing long-term stability and growth.
Scleral Lens Market Driver and Challenges
The scleral lens market is defined by the interplay between strong drivers driving its growth and key challenges that can hinder greater takeoff. The primary drivers lie in technological innovation, an expanding patient base with refractory eye disorders, and rising professional recognition. These drivers are driving the market by advancing product quality and broadening its applications. On the other hand, the limitations, based mainly on cost, fitting challenges, and restricted practitioner experience, pose obstacles that need to be actively countered by the industry.
The factors responsible for driving the scleral lens market include:
1. Increased Incidence of Eye Diseases: One main driver is the growth in worldwide cases of eye disease that scleral lenses are specifically designed to address. These encompass keratoconus, which results in a cone-shaped cornea, and serious dry eye syndrome. With these conditions increasing, so is the need for quality vision correction and treatment that standard glasses or soft lenses cannot fulfill. Scleral lenses provide a higher comfort and visually stable solution, driving market growth directly.
2. Material and Lens Technology Advances: There is steady innovation in lens design and materials. The creation of high-oxygen-permeable (Dk) rigid gas permeable (RGP) material has remarkably enhanced corneal health and wearing comfort. Furthermore, new designs that can be adjusted to accommodate individualized eye shapes are increasing clinical success rates. These advancements in technology make scleral lenses a more viable option for practitioners and patients alike.
3. Expanding Clinical Indications and Professional Acceptance: Scleral lenses are no longer reserved for extreme cases. One driver is their increasing acceptance for a broad variety of conditions, such as post-surgical complications, uncomplicated refractive errors in patients with sensitive eyes, and even myopia control in kids. With greater awareness among more optometrists and ophthalmologists about these advantages, they are likely to prescribe and fit scleral lenses, widening the patient group and market.
4. Advances in Technology for Fitting Equipment: The development of sophisticated diagnostic equipment such as scleral profilometry and optical coherence tomography (OCT) has made the intricate fitting process easier. These technologies allow for extremely accurate measurements of the eye surface, enabling precise, personalized lens creation on the first try. This minimizes the effort and time needed for fitting, making scleral lenses a more convenient and desirable choice for practitioners.
5. Aging Global Population: The elderly world population is a key market driver. Older individuals are more vulnerable to age-related eye diseases like ocular surface disease and corneal abnormalities. Scleral lenses are an easy and stable way of treating these conditions, delivering better quality of life and long-term vision. The population shift guarantees a stable and increasing demand for scleral lens products.
Challenges in the scleral lens market are:
1. High Expense and Limited Reimbursement: The biggest obstacle is the expense of scleral lenses and the associated fitting procedure. The requirement for specialty materials, sophisticated manufacturing, and several visits to practitioners raises their cost above that of traditional contacts. For most areas, there is limited or no insurance reimbursement, making it a major financial burden for patients and limiting adoption, particularly in cost-conscious markets.
2. Time-Consuming and Complex Fitting Process: Regardless of technological improvements, the scleral lens fitting process is still more complicated and time-consuming than that for soft lenses. It necessitates a high level of expertise in the practitioner and special equipment and training. This makes many eye care professionals wary of offering scleral lens services due to the complexity, restricting the number of providers of scleral lenses and thereby creating a hurdle in patient access.
3. Limited Practitioner Training and Expertise: The greatest holdup is that there are few eye care professionals trained and comfortable in scleral lens fitting. Though educational programs are on the rise, the pool of specialists remains relatively limited in comparison to the possible patient base. This shortage of expertise, especially in developing nations, discourages market penetration and complicates patients in locating a trained practitioner.
The cumulative effect of these drivers and challenges is a market with a lot of potential for growth as well as with considerable hurdles to be overcome. The drivers are encouraging the market towards increased technological advancement and broader clinical use. At the same time, the high cost and lack of expertise challenges are compelling the industry to get strategic. The market is trending towards high-value, niche uses where the advantages of scleral lenses obviously outweigh the expense.
List of Scleral Lens Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies scleral lens companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the scleral lens companies profiled in this report include-
• ABB Optical
• Bausch Health
• Visionary Optics
• Essilor
• Art Optical
• CooperVision
• BostonSight
• AccuLens
• Tru-Form Optics
• Advanced Vision Technologies
Scleral Lens Market by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global scleral lens market by type, application, and region.
Scleral Lens Market by Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Mini-Scleral Lenses
• Large-Scleral Lenses
Scleral Lens Market by Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Hospitals
• Eye Clinic
Scleral Lens Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the Scleral Lens Market
The scleral lens market has made considerable recent advancements, stepping out of its niche use for severely irregular corneas into a wider solution for multiple ocular disorders. This growth is fueled by lens design, material, and fitting process technological improvements, which have improved scleral lenses’ availability, comfort, and efficacy. The market expansion is also driven by rising global incidence of ocular conditions such as keratoconus and aggressive dry eye syndrome. These trends are not homogeneous across the world; each significant market is responding to these trends according to its healthcare infrastructure, needs of consumers, and capability to handle technology, thus shaping worldwide market trends.
• United States: The US market for scleral lenses is highly innovative and focused on patient-centered solutions. The recent trend has been the commercial availability of technologically enhanced lenses, i.e., lenses with Smart Curve technology, which are capable of fitting a broader range of patient parameters. There is an increasing trend towards the combination of 3D ocular surface mapping and digital imaging during fitting, enhancing precision and minimizing chair time for patients. Having key industry stakeholders and a well-developed healthcare infrastructure are compelling the use of these specialized lenses for conditions such as dry eye and complications following surgery.
• China: China’s market is in the phase of fast growth, fueled by a big and growing population of patients with ocular disorders and an increased need for sophisticated eye care solutions. Recent trends include augmenting domestic manufacturing capacity and forging alliances with overseas lens firms for access to advanced technology and good-quality materials. With the improvement in the healthcare infrastructure, more importance is being given to eye care professionals being trained in scleral lens fitting. The market is also experiencing a transition towards more specialized and advanced lens designs to address complex cases, exceeding fundamental vision correction.
• Germany: In Germany, the scleral lens market is characterized by a heavy focus on precision and clinical excellence. Recent advances are focused on integrating the use of scleral lenses in the overall therapeutic management of ocular diseases, for example, severe dry eye syndrome and corneal ectasia. German clinics and manufacturers are famous for their strict fitting procedures, which usually involve the use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment to create an ideal fit for every patient. The growth of the market is aided by a strong healthcare system and high patient and practitioner understanding of the therapeutic value of scleral lenses, especially in terms of delivering long-term stability and comfort.
• India: India’s market for scleral lenses continues to evolve but has tremendous potential because of the large population in the country and the increasing incidence of corneal diseases. Some recent developments include increased patient and eye care practitioner awareness regarding scleral lenses as a treatment modality. There are more specialty eye clinics that now provide scleral lens fitting services, commonly collaborating with global laboratories. The emphasis is on increasing accessibility and affordability of scleral lenses, backed by simplification of the supply chain and avoidance of import dependence, which is vital in terms of regional market growth.
• Japan: In Japan, the scleral lens market is dominated by high-quality, high-technology products, especially for correcting vision in keratoconus and irregular cornea patients. Advanced work includes developing lens materials and designs to provide better oxygen permeability and wettability, which are essential for long-term eye health. Japanese firms are leading the way in material science development, creating new polymers to improve comfort and minimize complications. The market is also pushing for more accurate fitting methods with enhanced topography and imaging, which mirrors the nation as a whole, with its emphasis on precision engineering and quality.
Features of the Global Scleral Lens Market
Market Size Estimates: Scleral lens market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Scleral lens market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Scleral lens market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different types, applications, and regions for the scleral lens market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the scleral lens market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for scleral lens market?
Answer: The global scleral lens market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 15.5% from 2025 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the scleral lens market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, the rising demand for custom lenses, and the growing adoption of advanced optics.
Q3. What are the major segments for scleral lens market?
Answer: The future of the scleral lens market looks promising with opportunities in the hospital and eye clinic markets.
Q4. Who are the key scleral lens market companies?
Answer: Some of the key scleral lens companies are as follows:
• ABB Optical
• Bausch Health
• Visionary Optics
• Essilor
• Art Optical
• CooperVision
• BostonSight
• AccuLens
• Tru-Form Optics
• Advanced Vision Technologies
Q5. Which scleral lens market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, mini-scleral lens is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
Q6. In scleral lens market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q7. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the scleral lens market by type (mini-scleral lenses and large-scleral lenses), application (hospitals and eye clinic), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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