Market Trends of Global Scleral Lens Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Scleral Lens Market according to our research experts:
Corneo-scleral and Semi–scleral Lenses Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market
The Corneo-scleral and Semi-scleral Lenses segment holds a significant market share. The corneo-scleral lens has been developed to fill the void left by both soft and rigid contact lenses. Corneo-scleral and semi-scleral Lenses offer a high level of comfort comparable to soft contact lenses and the better acuity associated with rigid lenses. By utilizing a diameter of between 14 mm and 15 mm, the same principles of minimal movement and lid interaction associated with soft contact lenses apply. The large overall diameter is advantageous in terms of comfort because the edge of the lens is tucked under both the upper and lower lids. Thus, the more sensitive lid margins are not in direct contact with the edge of the lens, which eliminates one of the greatest causes of foreign body sensation found with Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. Thus, all these advantages are fueling the growth of the product.
The increasing corneal transplantation is boosting the growth of the market. For instance, As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information survey published in 2020 on 'Corneal transplantation' approximately 185,000 of these procedures were performed worldwide each year, 34% of which were in the United States. The Corneo-scleral lenses represent a novel treatment option for patients who have undergone corneal transplantation due to the advantages offered by them. The Corneo-Scleral Lenses are also used for the eyes that have undergone a cornea transplant, and for people with severe dry eyes caused by conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome as the larger diameter of a corneo-scleral lens are able to eliminate all of these possibilities more effectively. The larger diameter also provides a broader area of lens alignment and much improved lens stability on an irregular corneal surface.
Additionally, the increasing cases of 'Dry eyes' are further propelling the growth of the market. For instance, as per the review of cornea & contact lenses published in 2020 dry eyes are a common condition in the United States. Most often, people who have dry eyes are middle-aged or older. An estimated 4.88 million Americans age 50 and older have dry eyes. Thus, the increasing cases of dry eyes is expected to drive the growth of the market.
North America is Expected to Dominate the Scleral Lens Market
North America is expected to hold the major share in the global scleral lenses market. The United States is one of the key countries in the scleral lenses market, due to the higher prevalence of eye diseases and injuries that are primarily driving the growth. For instance, as per the National Eye Institute, around 12 million United States residents were detected with low vision in 2022. The number is projected to increase further and is estimated to reach around 50 million by the year 2030. Additionally, as per a report by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, around 54 million wearers of scleral lenses were aged 18 or older, accounting for about 22.1% of the adult population in the United States in 2019. This increase is anticipated to drive the growth of scleral lenses in the country over the forecast period.
Furthermore, the increasing research & development activities, partnerships, and novel launches by key players are responsible for the growth of the market in the region. For instance, in February 2021, Johnson & Johnson Vision, a division of Johnson & Johnson Services, announced the release of the TECNIS Toric II 1-Piece Intraocular Lens in the United States. Also, Johnson & Johnson has paid an estimated USD 4 billion for Abbott Medical Optics. The acquisition includes ophthalmic products in three areas of patient care such as cataract surgery, laser refractive surgery, and consumer eye health. These product lines have joined with the ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses business and combined the organization would operate under the brand name Johnson & Johnson Vision (J&J Vision). The acquisition gave Johnson and Johnson a competitive advantage in cataract surgery, which is one of Abbott Medical Optics' main specialties. Thus, these initiatives are boosting the market growth in the region.
Therefore, owing to the aforesaid factors the growth of the respective market is anticipated in the North America Region.
