Scleral Lens Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Mini, and Large); By End User (Hospital, Eye Clinic, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global scleral lens market size was USD 208.4 million in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 240.2 million in 2021 to USD 646.8 million in 2028 at a CAGR of 15.2% in the 2021-2028 period. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with witnessing a negative demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a significant decline of -5.1% in 2020 compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2020. The rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Scleral lenses are gas permeable lenses specially designed for vision correction in patients suffering from Keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. These lenses cover the entire corneal surface to provide more stability than the conventional gas permeable lenses. These lenses are often used in patients suffering from chemical or burn injuries, Radial keratotomy, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Graft vs. host disease (GVHD), and Sjogren’s Syndrome.

The growing prevalence of ocular disorders, favorable reimbursement policies, and distinctive benefits of scleral lenses over soft lenses are the major factors responsible for the rising adoption of these lenses. Moreover, the increasing technological advancements and new product launches in the segment are anticipated to contribute to global market growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, In April 2017, BostonSight launched a range of BostonSight lens offerings. BostonSight SCLERAL lenses offer its products in different diameters, which was originally introduced in 2017 as a scalable, accessible solution for long-term users.

COVID-19 IMPACT

COVID-19 Negatively Hampered Scleral Lens Demand due to Decline in Procedures

The outbreak of COVID-19 has had an overall negative impact on the market. Major leading players operating in the market reported a significant decline in their revenues from the contact lens sales, including scleral lenses, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scleral lenses reported a significant decline in demand from major markets across the globe. The usage of eye lenses, decreased due to the adoption of other vision correction methods such as eyeglasses to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The majority of the healthcare institutions recommended using alternative methods due to the concern for risk of infections, especially the transmission of COVID-19 infections, which also affected the number of new fittings during the pandemic. Moreover, the noticeable decline in outpatient visits was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a decrease in several procedures and subsequently hampered the adoption and demand of these lenses.

• For instance, according to the cross-sectional survey conducted by All India Ophthalmological Society, around 90% of the total respondents (ophthalmologists) recorded a decline of around 25% in outpatient and surgical volume.

Moreover, the key market players reported a decline in revenues due to the patient anxiety of contracting coronavirus due to the semi-invasive nature of scleral lens fitting, considerable disruption in business activities, and disruption in the supply chain.

• For instance, EssilorLuxottica reported a 13.4% decline in sales in 2020 from Lenses and Optical Instruments Segment compared to 2019.


• The Cooper Companies, Inc. recorded a 6.58% decrease in revenues from the Contact Lenses segment compared to 2019.

LATEST TRENDS

Expanding Indications for Scleral Lenses to Boost Market Growth

The scleral lenses are primarily used to treat medical conditions related to the ocular surface and irregular corneas. However, these lenses are now being recommended for normal corneas to increase patients' quality of life. The patient’s ineligible for conventional lenses is shifting towards these products as they are considered viable before surgery.

Moreover, the increasing demand for these lenses due to the expanding number of applications is one of the major factors influencing the market growth. The major player operating in the market is introducing innovative products in the market to meet the need gap in the market.

• For instance, In April 2017, SynergEyes introduced SynergEyes VS and SynergEyes VS XL lenses in the market. These easy-to-fit scleral solutions are compatible with a wide variety of patients’ covering many conditions.

Moreover, the increasing awareness about the benefits of scleral lenses over conventional methods is influencing the demand for these products. This is anticipated to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Prevalence of Ocular Disorders to Augment Demand for Scleral Lenses

Globally, an increasing number of patients suffering from ocular diseases demand effective vision correction solutions. Ocular diseases such as keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, and uncorrected refractive errors are growing significantly. The patients in developed and developing countries are shifting towards advanced solutions to manage eye disorders, which is anticipated to drive the demand of these products during the forecast period.

• For instance, according to the data published by Dry Eye Directory, in 2020, around 16.4 million Americans were suffering from dry eye, representing around 6.8% of the total population. Similarly, according to the study published by Cornea.org, the prevalence of Keratoconus was 54.5 in 100,000 in the U.S.

Moreover, key players' introduction of innovative products, the growing number of corneal transplant procedures, and the surge in adoption of scleral solutions for the management of ocular disorders are the key factors influencing the market growth. Additionally, the increasing number of contact lens wearers is also anticipated to fuel the demand for scleral lenses.

• For instance, according to The Vision Council, an estimated 42.2 million contact lens users are present in the U.S. The statistics revealed an estimated growth of around 2.9 million contact lens users from 2014 to 2019. Globally around 125 million people use contact lenses.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost and Availability of Alternative Treatments to Limit the Adoption of these Lenses

Scleral lenses have experienced several technological advancements in the last decade, including material, design, and manufacturing techniques. However, the high costs associated with lens procedures, including lens charges, fitting charges, refitting costs, and other service charges, are anticipated to limit the adoption of these products during the forecast period. Moreover, the limitation such as the requirement of opticians for fitting, the need for regular refitting, and the limited availability of these lenses in developing and underdeveloped countries are also responsible for restraining the Scleral Lens Market growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, according to the data published by the Living with Review of Optometric Business, the total cost of lens procedure for both the eyes is around USD 2,000-4,000 per patient.

The long-term usage of these lenses may cause several side effects, such as midday fogging, scleral misalignment, corneal hypoxia, and fitting issues that will hamper the adoption of these lenses. Moreover, the growing adoption of alternative treatment options such as soft contact lenses, vision correction surgeries and eyeglasses have been responsible for the comparatively limited adoption of lenses across the globe.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

The Introduction of Technologically Advance Products in the Mini Lenses Segment to Support the Dominance of the Segment in the Market

The global market is segmented into mini and large based on type.

The mini segment accounted for dominating share in 2020. The increasing cases of keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, and other ocular diseases, coupled with the introduction of technologically advanced lenses in the category, are anticipated to contribute to the segment's growth during the forecast period. Moreover, the distinct benefits of mini over soft contact lenses led to an unprecedented surge in demand for these lenses and, subsequently, drove the global market.

• For instance, according to a study published in NCBI, penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) accounted for 63.4% of all total eye procedures. Patients post-surgery must be fitted with mini lenses due to eye rehabilitation and maintenance. Therefore, the uptake of mini lenses is expected to support the segment growth.

On the other hand, the large lenses segment held a significant share in the global market. The increasing adoption of these lenses in treating patients suffering from ocular diseases such as Keratoconus and rising awareness about the large lenses are the essential factors driving the segment’s growth.

By End User Analysis

Increasing Number of Independent Practitioners Driving the Eye Clinic Segment

The eye clinic segment dominated the global market in 2020 and anticipated significant CAGR during the forecast period. This factor is attributed to the growing number of independent practitioners and the increasing number of lens fitting procedures in eye clinics. 

• According to the U.S. Bureau of labor statistics, More 49% optometrists in the U.S. were practicing in the independent offices. The rise in independently practicing optometrists is anticipated to grow the eye clinic segment, thereby enhancing the market growth.

Moreover, the increasing awareness and accessibility of scleral products through local reach, focus of market players on the distribution of their products through eyecare professionals, and patient-tailored approach adopted by eye clinics are expected to drive the segment growth during the forecast period.

On the other hand, the hospital segment held the second-largest market share in 2020. The increasing government reimbursement plans oriented towards the provision of affordable eye care through government hospitals and other facilities and the strategic agreements by contact lens manufacturers by obtaining licenses to expand their reach in emerging markets are primarily responsible for the segment's growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

In terms of geography, the market can be categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The market size in North America stood at USD 85.7 million in 2020. Rising patient pool suffering from ocular diseases, increasing adoption of scleral among contact lens users, and focus of major market players on expansion of portfolio by strategic acquisitions and collaborations are some of the major factors responsible for the dominance of the region in the global market. According to an article published in CL Spectrum in January 2021, scleral fitting prescriptions accounted for 23% of total contact lens prescriptions. The U.S. and Canada accounted for 50% and 25% of prescriptions, respectively.

Europe accounted for the second-largest share in the global market. The increasing number of contact lens wearers in the region, the rise in demand for scleral lenses owing to the prevalence of dry eye, and patients undergoing corneal transplants are likely to drive the market's growth in the region.

Meanwhile, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing number of patient’s ineligible for traditional soft contact lenses, along with a growing number of patients shifting from spectacles to lenses is expected to support the market growth in near future. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of ocular diseases in the region is anticipated to drive the market growth.

The regional markets in Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa are anticipated to show promising growth in the near future due to the increasing awareness about scleral products and recent developments in the healthcare sector. Moreover, the awareness programs initiated by government organizations lead to the increase in diagnosis and treatment rates for ocular disorders in these countries, fueling the demand for these lenses.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Bausch Health Companies Inc., ABB Optical Group, and Essilor to Acquire Leading Positions in the Market

The competitive landscape of the market is consolidated. Key players such as Bausch Health Companies Inc., Essilor, and ABB Optical Group dominated the market and accounted for more than 55% market share in 2020. The strong distribution of key players in major markets, strategic collaborations and acquisitions, and new product launches are predominantly responsible for the dominance of these players in the global market. For instance, in February 2019, Essilor acquired Germany-based Brille24 GmbH. This acquisition helped the company broaden its product portfolio and to expand its global footprints

Other key players operating in the market include Blanchard Lab, Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc., Visionary Optics, BostonSight, TruForm Optics Inc., SynergEyes, and AccuLens are involved in the development of innovative products to gain a competitive advantage over other players.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• 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.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2021 –Bausch Health Companies Inc. launched the New 28 Lens Zenlens Dx Set to meet the growing demand for gas-permeable lenses to correct vision problems associated with corneal irregularities.


• July 2019 - Visionary Optics introduced the Latitude lens, which is custom-made to fit the scleral surfaces and corneal surfaces based upon the scleral topography measurements. This development helped the company expand its product line.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global scleral lens market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as competitive analysis, company profiles, covid-19 impact, type, and end user. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation