Scleral Lens Market- Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Corneo-Scleral Lenses, Semi-Scleral Lenses, Mini-Scleral Lenses, Full Scleral Lenses), By Application (Irregular Cornea, Ocular Surface Disease, Refractive Error, Other), By End User (Hospitals, Eye Clinics, Others) By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Scleral Lens Market, valued at USD 282.34 Million in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 4.27% to reach USD 362.84 Million by 2030. Scleral lenses are specialized, large-diameter rigid gas permeable contact lenses designed to fully vault the cornea and rest on the sclera, creating a fluid reservoir that corrects vision and manages various complex ocular surface diseases, including keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, and severe dry eye. The market's growth is primarily supported by the increasing global prevalence of these ocular disorders, for which scleral lenses offer superior visual acuity and comfort. Further momentum stems from continuous advancements in lens materials and design, enhancing oxygen permeability and customization capabilities, alongside growing awareness among patients and practitioners regarding their therapeutic benefits.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion remains the substantial cost associated with scleral lenses and the intricate, time-consuming fitting process, which necessitates highly specialized eye care professionals. Despite this, according to Contact Lens Spectrum, scleral designs represented 7% of all reported contact lens fits and refits in 2023, an increase from 5% in 2022, demonstrating a clear upward trajectory in adoption.

Key Market Drivers

The global scleral lens market is significantly propelled by the increasing prevalence of complex ocular diseases, which necessitate advanced vision correction and therapeutic solutions. Conditions such as keratoconus, severe dry eye disease, and irregular astigmatism present substantial challenges for traditional contact lenses or spectacles, making scleral lenses an essential alternative due to their ability to vault the cornea and provide a stable fluid reservoir. This functional superiority addresses the unique needs of patients suffering from these debilitating conditions. According to "Global Incidence and Prevalence of Keratoconus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis", August 2025, over 23.7 million individuals globally are affected by Keratoconus, directly fueling the demand for effective management tools like scleral lenses. The expanding patient population with such diseases creates a foundational demand that innovative scleral lens technology is designed to meet.

Further accelerating market expansion are ongoing technological advancements in lens design and materials. Innovations continually enhance scleral lens comfort, oxygen permeability, and customization capabilities, making them suitable for a wider range of patients and indications. These advancements include the development of highly oxygen-permeable materials, alongside sophisticated digital fitting technologies that enable precise lens geometries tailored to individual ocular surfaces. Such progress improves patient outcomes by optimizing visual acuity and reducing potential complications. For instance, according to Contact Lens Spectrum, October 2024, "SCLERAL LENS RESEARCH UPDATE", patient acceptance of wavefront-correcting optics in scleral lenses was 90% to 95%, underscoring the positive impact of design innovations on user experience and adoption. These ongoing product enhancements and improved patient satisfaction contribute to a broader acceptance of scleral lenses within clinical practice. Moreover, according to Contact Lens Spectrum, January 2023, "THE STATE OF SCLERAL LENS PRESCRIBING", scleral lenses constituted 23% of international contact lens fittings, indicating their established and growing presence in the overall vision correction landscape.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial cost associated with scleral lenses directly impedes the market's expansion. These specialized medical devices often entail significant out-of-pocket expenses for patients, primarily due to limited insurance coverage. According to a Dry Eye Shop survey conducted in October 2023, the percentage of patients who reported receiving at least 50% insurance coverage for their scleral lenses declined to 34% from 43% in 2019. Concurrently, the proportion of patients receiving no insurance coverage for scleral lenses increased to 55% in 2023, up from 48% in 2019. This trend highlights a growing financial burden placed on individuals, restricting access to a valuable vision correction and ocular surface management solution.

Furthermore, the intricate and time-consuming fitting process contributes to the overall cost barrier. This complexity necessitates multiple appointments with highly specialized eye care professionals, further escalating expenses. The combination of high upfront costs and insufficient reimbursement creates a significant impediment to patient adoption and broader market penetration.

Key Market Trends

Two significant trends are currently shaping the global scleral lens market, distinct from overarching market drivers.

The integration of tele-optometry services is a significant trend for the global scleral lens market, enhancing accessibility to specialized care. A July 2024 Provider inSights report by The Vision Council indicated that nearly 80% of eye care providers do not currently offer telehealth services, highlighting substantial untapped potential for remote consultations and follow-up care, particularly for scleral lens patients. Further demonstrating digital integration, a Bausch + Lomb executive reported in May 2025 that its Opal digital marketplace, launched in October 2024 to streamline contact lens ordering, processed over 60,000 orders in its initial months.

Specialized scleral lens practice expansion, driven by an increasing number of eye care professionals and dedicated clinics for complex fittings, is another key market factor. Industrial associations actively support this specialization; the Scleral Lens Education Society offered at least three distinct advanced scleral lens webinars in late 2023, covering topics like fitting techniques and lens suction management. This commitment to practitioner education is reinforced by major manufacturers. CooperVision Specialty EyeCare, for example, continues to offer its "Beyond the Limbus" Master's Training for Scleral Lens Fitters, with workshops scheduled into 2026, directly supporting the development of advanced expertise crucial for precise scleral lens management. This expansion ensures broader patient access to intricate fitting and ongoing care.

Segmental Insights

The Global Scleral Lens Market is witnessing rapid expansion, with the mini-scleral lenses segment emerging as a significant growth driver. This acceleration is primarily attributable to their advantageous design, which strikes an optimal balance between comfort and visual acuity for patients. Mini-scleral lenses are favored due to their relative ease of insertion and removal compared to larger scleral options, enhancing patient adaptability and overall compliance. Furthermore, these lenses effectively manage various complex ocular conditions, including keratoconus and severe dry eye syndrome, by creating a stable fluid reservoir over the cornea that promotes continuous hydration and reduces irritation. This combination of improved wearability and therapeutic benefits solidifies their position as a leading choice in specialty contact lens solutions.

Regional Insights

North America emerges as the principal region in the global scleral lens market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure and high public and professional awareness regarding specialized vision correction options. The region experiences a notable prevalence of ocular surface diseases, including keratoconus and severe dry eye syndrome, which consistently fuels demand for scleral lenses. Furthermore, the strong presence of major industry players engaging in significant research and development initiatives ensures continuous product innovation. A robust reimbursement framework and widespread access to advanced diagnostic technologies further facilitate patient adoption and solidify North America's market leadership.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Bausch + Lomb officially launched its Zenlens Chroma HOA scleral contact lenses in the United States. These innovative lenses were developed to correct higher-order aberrations, which often cause visual disturbances like halos and glare, particularly for patients with complex corneal irregularities. The Zenlens Chroma HOA leverages custom, wavefront-guided technology to enhance vision clarity. To support the market introduction and ensure smoother integration into clinical workflows, Bausch + Lomb established collaborations with Advance Medical and OVITZ. This initiative aimed to provide eye care professionals with advanced solutions for patients previously facing limited corrective options.

• In February 2025, ABB Optical Group introduced its new DELTA Scleral contact lenses, marking a significant advancement in the global scleral lens market. This next-generation lens was engineered to streamline the fitting process for practitioners through an intuitive, feature-rich design. DELTA Scleral lenses simplify adjustments, allowing modifications based on deviations from a baseline lens rather than requiring complex parameter calculations. This approach enhances precision and efficiency in prescribing, ultimately improving the experience for both eye care professionals and patients. The lens system includes a comprehensive warranty, emphasizing the company's commitment to supporting successful fits.

• In May 2024, Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced the U.S. launch of Zenlens ECHO, a custom scleral contact lens technology. This non-prosthetic lens was specifically designed to accommodate a diverse range of corneal shapes and sizes, addressing the needs of patients with advanced ocular conditions, including corneal degeneration and certain postoperative complications. The introduction of Zenlens ECHO expanded Bausch + Lomb's existing scleral lens portfolio, reinforcing its presence in the global market. This product aimed to offer improved comfort and visual acuity for individuals requiring specialized contact lens solutions due to complex eye conditions.

• In March 2024, Advance Medical significantly bolstered its presence in the specialty contact lens sector by extending its collaboration with Acuity Polymers. This partnership focused on integrating comprehensive material data into Advance Medical's manufacturing processes. The enhanced collaboration aimed to optimize the production of specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, by improving manufacturing efficiency and ensuring high product quality. This strategic alliance underscored a commitment to innovation in lens materials, providing specialty contact lens manufacturers with better access to essential data for developing advanced vision correction solutions for patients globally.

Key Market Players

• Bausch Health Companies Inc.
• ABB Optical Group
• EssilorLuxottica SA
• Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc.
• Visionary Optics
• BostonSight Inc.
• SynergEyes Inc.
• Acculens Inc.
• Blanchard Contact Lens Inc
• TruForm Optics Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Scleral Lens Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Scleral Lens Market, By Type:

o   Corneo-Scleral Lenses

o   Semi-Scleral Lenses

o   Mini-Scleral Lenses

o   Full Scleral Lenses

• Scleral Lens Market, By Application:

o   Irregular Cornea

o   Ocular Surface Disease

o   Refractive Error

o   Other

• Scleral Lens Market, By End User:

o   Hospitals

o   Eye Clinics

o   Others

• Scleral Lens Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Scleral Lens Market.

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Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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