Scleritis Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Anterior Scleritis, Posterior Scleritis, Diffuse Scleritis, Nodular Scleritis), By Treatment Type (Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants, Antibiotics, Surgical Intervention), By Diagnosis Method (Clinical Examination, Imaging Techniques, Blood Tests, Biopsy), By Patient Demographics (Adults, Pediatrics, Geriatrics) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Scleritis Market size was valued at US$ 3.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 5.07 billion by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 5.8% from 2025-2031. The market is the medical sector dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of scleritis, which is an inflammatory disease of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball.

The market for scleritis is fueled by the increasing incidence of autoimmune conditions, advances in imaging diagnostic technologies, and greater awareness of eye health, resulting in early diagnosis and treatment. The creation of biologics and targeted therapies has enhanced cure rates, driving the market. Constraints, however, are the expensive nature of advanced treatment, the dearth of specialized eye care services in some areas, and possible side effects of immunosuppressive therapy that could slow down acceptability.

Facts & Figures

• Prevalence: Approximately 4-6 cases per 100,000 people in the US.
• Age of Onset: Commonly between 47 and 60 years old.
• Sex Predilection: More common in women, with a 60% to 74% predominance.
• Healthcare providers diagnose about 10,500 cases of scleritis in the US annually.
• Anterior scleritis, the most common form, occurs in 98% of cases.
• Necrotizing scleritis, a severe form, occurs in 15% of anterior scleritis cases.

Key Developments:

• In May 2023, CYCLOTEARS by Entod Pharmaceuticals (India) launched this novel SEDDS-based eye drop targets inflammatory ocular conditions, including scleritis.
• In January 2025, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals acquired Oxular Limited (UK), gaining their ocular gene therapy delivery platform. This supports Regeneron's expansion into advanced ocular inflammation therapies, including for scleritis.
• In September 2024, ANI Pharmaceuticals acquired ophthalmology-focused Alimera Sciences. Although Alimera specialized more in retinal diseases, their acquisition may increase generic/regional options relevant to ocular inflammation.

Scleritis Market Segmentation:

Based on the type:

• Anterior Scleritis
• Posterior Scleritis
• Diffuse Scleritis
• Nodular Scleritis

Anterior scleritis is the most common form of scleritis affecting the anterior segment of the sclera. It is caused by severe pain behind the eye, redness, and inflammation, usually accompanied by secondary related underlying autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. This chapter is triggered by recent advances in biologic agents, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and complications. With increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases, demand for accurate treatment of anterior scleritis is also increasing. State-of-the-art ophthalmic imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy are facilitating earlier diagnosis and accuracy in intervention. Expansion of telemedicine and digital health platforms is also enhancing access to specialist eyecare, particularly in rural areas.

Based on the treatment type:

• Corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressants
• Antibiotics
• Surgical Intervention

Corticosteroids are a drug of first line for scleritis, used universally to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms well. They are available in oral, topical, and injectable forms so that the treatment can be adjusted depending on the disease severity. High-dose oral corticosteroids such as prednisone are typically administered for severe disease, while topical corticosteroids are administered for mild disease. The use of corticosteroids in the management of scleritis is justified due to established efficacy in the control of inflammation as well as prevention of complications.

They, however, possess side effects such as increase in intraocular pressure, cataract, and systemic side effects such as osteoporosis and diabetes with long-term use. Research thus looks for other forms of treatment like biologics and immunosuppressants as a means of minimizing the use of corticosteroids without compromising efficacy.

Based on the Diagnosis Method:

• Clinical Examination
• Imaging Techniques
• Blood Tests
• Biopsy

Clinical examination is the major diagnostic tool for scleritis based on comprehensive patient history and physical examination. Fundamental symptoms include dolorous ocular pain, redness, and tenderness, which are typically associated with photophobia and reduced visual acuity. Physicians check for characteristic bluish-red color of the sclera, which fails to blanch after application of topical vasoconstrictors. Palpation can uncover diffuse tenderness, and systemic correlation with autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus is taken into account upon diagnosis. The early detection via clinical presentation is important in order to begin proper treatment and avoid complications.

Based on the Patient Demographics:

• Adults
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics

The adult market is a major part of the market, with the condition frequently coexisting with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, both more common in adults. Better awareness of ocular health, combined with technological advancement in imaging diagnosis, has resulted in earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. The presence of biologics and targeted therapies has improved management options, reducing inflammation and limiting complications. Besides, increased investments in telemedicine and digital health technologies are enhancing the availability of specialist ophthalmic services, especially for adults in rural settings.