According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, over 2 billion people suffer from vision impairment. Age-related macular degeneration, childhood blindness, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and uncorrected refractive errors are some of the leading causes of vision impairment. Most of these issues can be resolved with timely diagnosis and the right treatments, which can prevent blindness. In recent years, the discipline of ophthalmology and eye care has witnessed rapid advancements, thanks to the advances in technology. Therapeutic contact lenses have emerged as an ideal alternative to eye drops or other invasive procedures. These specialized lenses are designed for vision correction, providing therapeutic benefits to the eyes. The substances used in therapeutic contact lenses encourage medicine delivery, relieve pain, boost vision, prevent dry eyes, and increase oxygen permeability. Some therapeutic lenses involve drug eluting particles or coatings that release medication gradually to the eyes and thus provide focused treatment for particular eye disorders. For instance, in 2022, Johnson & Johnson Vision introduced Abiliti overnight contact lenses for myopia management from 4D to 6D. These orthokeratology lenses are designed to reduce refractive error and thus eliminate the patients’ need for glasses or contacts during the day.

Although normal contact lenses and therapeutic contact lenses can improve eyesight, however the later require specialized care and serve a particular purpose. For example, therapeutic contact lenses need to be customized as per the requirements of the customer when used for the treatment of corneal abnormalities and post-surgical recuperation. Besides, these lenses need to be fitted by eye care providers as they require to be worn for an extended period of time. Therapeutic contact lenses are generally worn after injury, disease, or surgery to enhance the ability of corneal epithelium to heal. When compared to eye drop formulations, therapeutic contact lenses may be suitable for controlled and sustained drug delivery.

Innovation in Therapeutic Contact Lenses

Drug-Eluting Contact Lenses:

These lenses consist of coatings or microscopic implanted drug-releasing particles that address the issues related to vision. These lenses are designed to administer ophthalmic pharmaceuticals in a targeted and regulated manner over the eye surface. For instance, FDA recently gave approval to the drug-eluting contact lens containing an antihistamine for people with allergic eye itch. The daily disposable etafilcon A drug-eluting contact lens is the world’s first drug eluting contact lens, which have been approved for use in Japan and Canada. The contact lens can also be used for correcting refractive error in patient with or without lens implants.

Here are a few applications of contact lenses using drug eluting contact lenses:

1.    Treatment for Glaucoma

An eye disorder caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma can cause serious damage to the eyes and impair vision if not treated early. Therapeutic contact lenses created for glaucoma administers prostaglandin analogues straight to the eye surface, which reduces the need for routine eye drop administration as the lens gradually releases the drug. Recently, MediPrint Ophthalmics, an emerging San Diego-based clinical stage eye care pharmaceutical company introduced drug-eluting contact lenses that reduces intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma and treat ocular hypertension. The SIGHT-2 dosage-finding intended for dose optimization is preceded by the successful completion of the company’s SIGHT-1 study that validated implementation of contact lenses for treating human subjects.

2.    Dry Eye Treatment

Around the world, dry eye disorder affects tens of millions. In US alone, the disease affects around 16 million people. Dry eye disease occurs when you do not have enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. The condition affects the three layers of tear film that cover and protect eyes. Some of the disruptions caused by dry eyes include watering, burning, itching, watering, or blurred vision. Some drug-eluting contact lenses are designed to distribute lubricants to the ocular surface, which stimulate tears and keep the eyes moisturized. Recently, a team of scientists at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) has introduced a contact lens prototype to treat dry eyes. The contact lens includes microchannels that facilitate tear flow movement and enhance tear flow to prevent dry eyes.

According to TechSci Research report on “Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028, Segmented by Indication (Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome v/s Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Syndrome), By Product Type (Cyclosporine, Topical Corticosteroids, Artificial Tears, Punctal Plugs, and Others), By Dosage Form (Gels, Eye Solutions, Capsules & Tablets, Eye Drops, and Ointments), By Type (Prescription v/s Over The Counter), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), By Region, and Competition”, the global dry eye syndrome treatment is anticipated to register growth at a formidable rate. The market growth can be attributed to the rising prevalence of dry eye syndrome and increasing R&D initiatives by the market players to launch new and improved treatment options.

3.    Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis, an allergic allergen-induced inflammation of the conjunctiva is caused due to a reaction to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould, or other allergy causing substances. Releasing antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs onto the ocular surface via drug-eluting contact lenses can alleviate the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis symptoms as itching, redness, and swelling. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently gave approval for Acuvue® TheravisionTM with Ketotifen (etafilcon) in 2022 for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

4.    Use of an antibacterial/antifungal agent

Globally, 145 million people use contact lenses as a mode of vision correction, however sometimes it can cause eye irritation and infection. Contact lens-related infections, such as bacterial or fungal keratitis can lead to significant ocular disorders and sometimes even irreversible vision loss. To prevent or treat such kind of infections, many drug-eluting contact lenses are emerging that consists of antimicrobial medicines such antibiotics or antifungal medications. Using antibacterial coated contact lens cases can inhibit the production of bacterial adhesion and colonization, which can help prevent infection and inflammation.

a.    Bandage Contact Lenses: Bandage contact lenses can be used to preserve and encourage healing of cornea in cases of corneal abrasions, ulcers, or post-surgical recovery. Along with short-term vision correction, the bandage contact lenses provide an environment that promotes corneal healing. These contact lenses are often developed from special materials, which encourages the penetration of oxygen and moisture. The Queensland Eye Institute has created a bandage eye-contact consisting of "wound-healing factors". The cells, often referred to as limbal mesenchymal stromal cells (L-MSC), in the bandage contact lenses have unique wound-healing properties. Retrieved during common corneal transplants, these cells have the capacity to benefit an eye's injured surface quickly. Here are some of the applications of bandage contact lenses.

1.    Corneal Abrasions

Corneal abrasion, also known as scratched cornea, is an eye injury that occurs due to disruption in the corneal epithelium caused by contact lens or foreign bodies trauma. Providing a smooth surface and preventing eyelid friction, bandage contact lens serves as a protective covering and help ease pain and comfort while also promoting healing.

2.    Corneal Ulcers

Bandage contact lens can be used for the treatment of serious ulcers or deep infection on the cornea. Besides treatment, these lens help in prevention of additional injuries to the ulcerated regions by improving epithelial cell migration and increasing medicine penetration.

3.    Corneal Transplantation

Eye surgeons use bandage contact lenses to preserve cornea and encourage adherence of grafts on the surface of the eyes. These lenses create a physical barrier between the transplanted cornea and eyelids, which helps in reducing the risk of infections and accelerate the recovery process.

4.    Ocular Surface Problems

Filamentary keratitis and recurrent corneal erosion syndrome are some of the ocular surface problems that can be prevented with the help of bandage contact lenses. Providing a protective layer on the damaged corneal surface, the lens helps in managing symptoms such as feeling of a foreign body or any other discomfort in the eyes.

Post-LASIK/PRK Recovery

6. 

7. 

8. 

The bandage contact lenses can help keep eyes safe during the early healing process following laser eye surgery such as LASIK or PRK. These lenses contribute towards developing sharper vision, lower sensitivity to light, offer a smooth refractive surface, and reduces discomfort.

b.    Therapeutic Contact Lenses for Controlling Myopia: Myopia, often known as near-sightedness, is a common ocular disorder which affects nearly 20% of the global population. Therapeutic contact lenses used for the prevention of myopia includes peripheral defocus, multifocal optics, or corneal reshaping.

Here are some of the applications of myopic therapeutic lenses.

1.    Multifocal contact lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are contact lenses with several zones, each with a different prescription power. The centre zone provides a clear distant vision and periphery zone produces myopic defocus. Hence, these lenses work to slow down the axial elongation of the eye, which restricts the progression of myopia.

2.    Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, also referred to as gas-permeable contact lenses are intended to be worn overnight. These lenses gently bend the cornea to temporarily correct the refractive defect and provide good vision throughout the day without the use of glasses or contact lenses. Applying a controlled peripheral myopic defocus on the retina, Ortho-K lenses have been found to successfully halt the progression of myopia.

3.    Soft Bifocal/Multifocal Contact Lenses

Soft bifocal or multifocal contacts can cause myopic defocus in the peripheral retina, slowing the growth of myopia in youngsters. The lens combines several prescription strengths inside the lens to correct distant and near vision simultaneously.

4.    Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses

Contact lenses with certain optical designs or profiles are being created to cause peripheral defocus in the eye. Altering peripheral optics, these lenses work to produce a myopic defocus on the retina, which halts the progression of myopia.

c.    Phototherapeutic Contact Lenses

Phototherapeutic contact lenses combine light treatment with therapeutic lenses. Incorporating light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit wavelengths of light, conditions including corneal infections, corneal ulcers, and other corneal problems can be treated effectively. This way, delivering light treatment through the contact lens directly to the damaged area can aid in the healing process and reduce inflammation.

1.    Corneal Infections and Ulcers

Corneal infections and ulcers can be treated using phototherapeutic contact lenses. These lenses have built-in LEDs that release certain light waves, such blue or ultraviolet light, which has active antibacterial properties. Eradicating germs or fungus on the ocular surface, the LED light reduces ocular illness and accelerates recovery.

2.    Corneal Disorders

Phototherapeutic contact lenses help cure several corneal conditions, including recurring corneal erosions and corneal dystrophies. The therapeutic light in contact lenses promote cellular repair procedures, increase corneal epithelial adhesion, and improve corneal health in general.

3.    Corneal Scarring

Scarring from corneal wounds or operations can lead to an impaired eyesight. Applying focused light treatment to the affected area, the phototherapeutic contact lenses can help in the reduction of corneal scarring. Besides, the light can improve aesthetic results by encouraging collagen production and thus further prevent the development of scar tissue.

4.    Dry Eye Syndrome

The treatment of dry eye syndrome with phototherapeutic contact lenses is possible. The light wavelengths stimulate the meibomian glands that the LEDs built into the lenses emit, which increases the quantity and calibre of the tear film. This results in easing the irritation and preventing dryness caused by dry eye syndrome.

5.    Ocular pain management: Phototherapeutic contacts can be utilized for management of the ocular pain. To reduce pain and discomfort caused by different eye disorders such as corneal abrasions, erosions, or post-surgical recuperation, the contact lenses emit light that have analgesic effects.

d.    Smart Contact Lenses: Smart contacts include integrated electronics powered by cutting-edge technologies. For instance, certain smart lenses are made to track intraocular pressure (IOP) for glaucoma sufferers. Continuously measuring IOP and providing real-time data to both the wearer and the ophthalmologist, the smart contact lens help in managing the condition more effectively. There have been rapid advances in the smart lens technologies in recent years. Recently, researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) developed smart contact lenses that implement AR-based navigation. Additionally, many companies are launching new and innovative varieties of smart contact lenses to meet evolving needs of the consumer. A growing number of ophthalmology clinics are emphasizing on the availability and application of smart contact lenses, which is expected to drive the segment growth in coming years.

Here are some of the applications of smart contact lenses.

1.    Monitoring of Intraocular Pressure (IOP)

Smart contact lenses made with integrated sensors can track intraocular pressure continuously, which is essential for the treatment of eye disorders like glaucoma. Real-time data on IOP changes provided by these lenses can enable early diagnosis and accurate vision management.

2.    Glucose Monitoring for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy, an eye disorder that causes vision loss needs to be monitored regularly using glucose testing. However, the development of smart contact lenses integrated with glucose sensors facilitates the monitoring of glucose levels in tears, which allows early detection of the progression of the diabetic retinopathy and thus help in better treatment and prevention.

 3.    Tear Film Monitoring for Dry Eye Management

Smart contact lenses track the osmolarity and pH levels of the tear film as well as other attributes. Offering feedback on the stability and hydration of the tear film, these lenses help with the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome.

        4.    Drug Delivery

The smart contact lenses can also be used to administer medications. Microfluidic channels or micro reservoirs in these lenses distribute drugs gradually and steadily in the eyes.

Thus, leveraging smart contact lens technologies, many eye disorders including glaucoma and ocular allergies can be treated accurately.

According to TechSci Research report, “Global Eye Care Market By Product Type 22(Eyeglasses, Eye Drops, Contact Lens, Intraocular Lens, Eye Vitamins, Others), By Eye Drops (Prescription v/s Over-The-Counter), By Coating (Anti-Glare, UV Coating, Others), By Lens Material (Polycarbonate, Normal Glass, Trivex, Others), By Distribution Channel (Retail Stores, E-commerce, Clinics, Hospitals), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, the global eye care market is projected to grow at a significant rate. The market growth can be attributed to the rising awareness towards eye health and increasing prevalence of eye disorders.

Rising Prevalence of Eye Disorders Drives Therapeutic Contact Lens Market Growth

It is expected that the number of people with vision impairments are projected to rise in the coming years, owing to factors such as ageing, rising use of electronic screens, poor diet, and lifestyle changes. By 2050, the global population is projected to reach around 9.7 billion and the number of people over 65 will almost double (from 1 in 11 people to 1 in 6 people). The numbers are concerning as the prevalence of vision loss increases with gradual ageing. For example, gradual aging leads to cataract, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Moreover, sedentary, and indoor lifestyles and intake of less nutritious foods are resulting in chronic diseases such as obesity or diabetes, which result in vision problems.  

Moreover, computer vision syndrome (CVS), a condition also known as digital eye strain caused with prolonged exposure to digital screens, is affecting a large group of population across the globe. Some of the symptoms of CVS include dry eyes, eye strain, blurred vision, etc. Generally, people blink every 10 seconds, and it is necessary to keep the eyes moist and healthy. However, when people are engaged on their tablet, computer, mobile phones, or TV, they forget to blink more often, which can lead to drier eyes. The more an individual spends their time on electronic screens, the more the chances of a dry eyes. Some other causes of dry eyes might include blepharitis, refractive eye surgery, certain medication including those for allergies, antidepressants, diuretics, etc., and medical conditions like thyroid and lupus, and hormonal changes in women following menopause.

Therapeutic contact lenses serve as an ideal solution for people who have chronic conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, etc. Thanks to the innovation in ophthalmology technology, consumers now have a wide variety of options when it comes to therapeutic contact lenses. As technology is advancing, there are ever more materials, brands, lens designs, and wear schedules available that can satisfy almost everyone's individual needs. This makes the life of contact lens wearers better. Hence, the rising prevalence of eye disorders and growing awareness pertaining to eye health across the globe could contribute positively to the growth of therapeutic contact lens market in the coming years.

Growing Popularity of Smart Lenses

In recent years, smart contact lenses have been rising in popularity, owing to their multiple advantages such as continuous health monitoring, vision correction, AR features, fitness tracking, drug delivery, and environmental monitoring. Hence, smart contact lenses are becoming an essential tool for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, myopia, allergies, and other corneal disorders. Scientists are constantly developing improved contact lens technologies to improve the lives of those with low vision and to prevent and treat eye illnesses. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have given the green light for these two lenses.

• Myopia

Myopia, or near-sightedness in children and teenagers can be treated with the use of a variety of lenses. Recently, FDA gave approval for the first soft contact lens for myopia progression. Lens manufacturer CooperVision has developed single use, disposable, soft MiSight contact lenses for kids aging between 8 and 12. The lens corrects the refractive error to improve distance vision in myopic eye, similar to any other corrective lens. These lenses can be used and discarded at the end of each day and are not meant to be worn at night. Besides myopia, these lenses can help to reduce risk of developing other eye problems.

• Transition Lenses 

Transition contact lenses automatically darken under sunshine to decrease glare and improve comfort for the wearer. Recently, the FDA authorised light-adaptive contact lenses manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. The lens includes a photochromic filter, which continually modifies the quantity of light reaching the eyes. In normal or low-light settings, these lenses instantly switch back to their usual hue.

• Futuristic Smart Contact Lenses

With recent advances in ophthalmology, scientists and researchers are able to create high-tech lenses for different applications such as continuous monitoring of eye health, enlarging pictures for the blind, etc. Here are some of the smart contact lenses that might become mainstream in near future but are currently under trial for checking their accuracy.

• Allergies

With the launch of a new type of contact lens that releases antihistamines, people with allergies can find respite from their symptoms. Johnson & Johnson has curated a disposable lens pre-filled with an anti-itching medication, ketotifen. The lenses continuously deliver the medication that provides relief to the wearer. Those required to wear contact lenses and require taking them out in order to administer antihistamine eye drops may find these lenses to be of particular use. The lenses have successfully completed three clinical trials and are almost ready for consumer clearance.

• Augmented Reality Lens

A smart contact lens integrated with visual display that can enlarge pictures can prove to be beneficial for those with limited eyesight. A California-based firm Mojo Vision has created a unique lens that can project content from a smartphone. Innovega, another creator of smart contact lens has developed soft contact lenses that have the ability to make displays anywhere in the field of view. The company claims that their iOptik technology can enhance the security of procedures such as driving, surgery, and military operations. However, the technology is yet to be fully developed and mark its entry into the market.

• Detecting Damage to Cornea

Scientists at Peking University, Beijing have developed a transparent and soft contact lenses with electrodes. The objective of this lens is to enhance patient comfort during examinations that gauge the electrical response of the eye to light. Electroretinography, a sensitive technique used by doctors to identify a variety of eye disorders that can detect and measure electrical potential changes at the eye’s corneal surface produced in response to light stimulus, can harm the retina. The new and innovative GRAphene Contact lens Electrodes, or GRACEs can help to make the eye testing procedure more precise and pleasant than the existing norm.

• Diabetes and blood sugar monitoring

Korean researchers have curated new contact lenses that can track and measure the blood sugar levels of diabetics. The concept of the lens is not brand-new as tech companies like Google have already experimented with related projects but could not find much success. However, the discomfort and unreliability that failed prior attempts to make this kind of contact lenses have been eliminated by the new design developed by Korean researchers. In revised lenses, a green LED light and flexible materials have been used, which alerts patients when their blood sugar levels are at extremely dangerous levels. However, clinical trial using these contact lenses in humans have not yet begun. 

• Glaucoma

Glaucoma patients need to use highly concentrated eyedrops several times each day, but more than half of patients forget to take their eyedrops. However, this could result in blindness. Leo Lens Technology have created a lens that distributes bimatoprost into the eye for up to seven days. The clinical studies for this lens have not yet begun. Also, a different group of undergraduate Lithuanian students has developed a contact lens, which are designed to dissolve and release glaucoma medicine over the eye surface gradually. The aim of the NanoLens technology is to enhance the absorption of medicines. The iOPTx device employs electromagnetic stimulation to reduce eye pressure. Clinical trials for the iOPTx are already under progress in Spain and Canada.

• Smartphone Control

Samsung has developed a smart contact lens that can facilitate remote smartphone control. A US company has provided patent to the company for the creation of lenses incorporating motion sensors. Using these smart lenses equipped with sensors, wearers can control things with their blinks and peripheral vision. Samsung further seeks to develop the smart contact lenses in a way that they can project images and movies right into the wearer’s eyes. However, it will be years before this technology becomes widely available.

• Telescopic Lens

Researchers in California and China have created a soft contact lens prototype, which the wearer can zoom in and out with the blink of an eye. Patients with retinal impairment caused from disorders such as macular degeneration can utilize these lenses. Currently, the team is miniaturizing the telescopic lenses to fit within the eye and make them from breathable for long-term wear. Another team in Switzerland is creating a telescopic contact lens prototype that can switch between magnified and regular vision.

• Wound Recovery

Australian researchers are developing a novel contact lens that can help in corneal ulcers, or open sores on the cornea and accelerate healing. The contact lens is equipped with corneal cells extracted from a transplanted cornea. The cells have healing substances that have the ability to treat obstinate wounds in the eyes. According to researchers, these cells provide a more reliable and accessible medium for treating inflammation compared to traditional remedies which are currently in use. The lens is yet to be tested on people; however, it will be many years before it is sold to the public.

According to TechSci Research report on “Contact Lens Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028 Segmented By Modality (Reusable, Disposable), By Design (Spherical, Toric, Multifocal and Others), By Material Type (Silicone Hydrogel, Gas Permeable, Hydrogel and Others), By Application (Corrective, Therapeutic, Cosmetic and Others), By Distribution Channel (Retail Store, Online and Hospitals & Clinics), By Region”, the global contact lens market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.09% during the forecast period. The market growth can be attributed to the rising prevalence of severe eye conditions and increasing popularity of disposable contact lenses.

Enhanced Government Initiatives for Promoting Eye Health

90% of the people who are blind or visually impaired are from low- and/or middle-income nations and have a condition that might have been avoided or managed with the right treatments. This implies that preventing blindness and visual impairment through preventative interventions and spreading awareness through eye health campaigns is crucial. In a majority of countries, the promotion of eye health receives little                                                                                                                                                                                                    attention. Poor vision can negatively affect the life of people, leading to impaired mobility, degraded mental health, increased risk of dementia, increased chance of falls and automobile accidents as well as necessitates more social care, and eventually raises death rates. Hence, governments and non-government organizations across the globe are directing initiatives towards creating awareness among population related to vision health and implementing public health policies to address the untreated eye conditions.

Many countries have already established National Health Eye Health programs, which include a number of initiatives such as comprehensive eye examinations, awareness campaigns, provision of eyeglasses, and treatment of eye diseases. Governments, particularly in poor nations, have launched school-based eye health programs to identify and treat children's visual issues. Governments have introduced telemedicine initiatives and mobile eye clinics in regions with limited access to eye care services. These programs utilize technologies that connect patients with eye care professionals in remote settings and bring eye care services to underserved areas.

SightLife, a non-profit organization, is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and Jimma University Department of Ophthalmology (JUDO) to upskill primary eye care providers on cornea, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This is believed to strengthen the eye care referral pathway and provide technical support for the development of the FMOH's National Strategic Plan. The objective is to lay out the groundwork for combining of eye care into the primary healthcare system across rural Ethiopia. These interventions will enable a continuum of treatment that will assist the elimination of avoidable blindness in communities and thus, facilitate a patient's access to first aid eye care, early diagnosis, referral to advanced eye care providers, and return to the community level.

The UK government offers a National Vision Screening Programme for kids to identify and treat vision issues at an early stage. As a part of the programme, the UK government offers free vision testing to kids of all ages, ensuring the early detection and treatment of disorders including amblyopia (lazy eye) and refractive defects.

The Australian government has created the National Eye Health Framework was created by to enhance eye health outcomes throughout the nation, the framework's emphasis is on eye problem prevention, early identification, and prompt treatment. Encouraging routine eye exams, enhancing awareness, and funding research and innovation in eye health, the programme seeks to lessen the prevalence and effects of vision loss.

Way Ahead

Advances such as introduction of dynamic soft therapeutic contact lenses and rapid increase in the eye treatment procedures are projected to contribute towards the growth of global therapeutic contact lens market. Besides, innovation in contact lenses by market players and online distribution of vision care products are projected to further drive the market growth.

According to TechSci Research report on “Therapeutic Contact Lens Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2017-2027 Segmented By Material Type (Senofilcon, Balafilcon, Lotrafilcon, Methafilcon, Others) By Application (Drug Delivery, Corneal Healing, Pain Relief, Sealing & Protection, Others) By Distribution Channel (Hospitals & Clinics, Online, Optical Retail Stores) By Region”, the global therapeutic contact lens market is expected to register growth at a significant rate. This can be ascribed to the rising incidences of corneal diseases and government initiatives promoting vision health among population across the globe.