Contact Lens Market Assessment, By Product Type [Soft Contact Lens, Hybrid Contact Lens, Gas Permeable Contact Lens, Other Types of Contact Lenses], By Material [Silicon Hydrogel, Hydrogel, Rigid Gas Permeable, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Others], By Applica

Contact Lens Market Assessment, By Product Type [Soft Contact Lens, Hybrid Contact Lens, Gas Permeable Contact Lens, Other Types of Contact Lenses], By Material [Silicon Hydrogel, Hydrogel, Rigid Gas Permeable, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Others], By Application [Corrective, Therapeutic, Cosmetic, Prosthetic, Others], By Modality [Reusable, Disposable], By Design [Spherical Lens, Toric Lens, Multifocal Lens, Other Lenses], By End-user [Retail, Hospitals, Eye Clinics, E-commerce, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global contact lens market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.68% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 14.8 billion in 2023 to USD 26.74 billion in 2031. The contact lens market is driven by factors like the rising prevalence of refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism, especially among the aging population, technological advancements, and the introduction of innovative contact lens solutions by market players. The market is also being fueled by the growing preference for contact lenses over prescription eyeglasses.

Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses placed on the film of tears that cover the surface of the eye. They are used to correct vision or for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons. Contact lenses are often used as an alternative to glasses. There are different types of contact lenses, including daily disposable lenses, extended-wear lenses, and rigid gas-permeable lenses. They are used to correct various vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Contact lenses should be prescribed and fixed in the eyes by a qualified eye care professional.

However, risks associated with the use of contact lenses, such as dry eye, eye abrasion, and conjunctivitis are major challenges to the expansion of the contact lens market. Alongside, the cost of lenses, economic constraints in emerging countries, technological barriers in the case of smart contact lenses, and discomforts while wearing contact lenses are some other restraints to the expansion of the market.

In October 2023, Alcon launched TOTAL30 Multifocal contact lenses for patients with presbyopia. The TOTAL30 Multifocal lens features Water Gradient Technology, delivering almost 100% water to its surface, which helps combat dryness caused by digital device usage. Through this launch, Alcon expands drastically in the fast-growing market for contact lenses. Presently, the TOTAL30 Multifocal lens is marketed in the United States and selected international markets.

Rising Prevalence of Refractive Errors

The prevalence of refractive errors, such as myopia and hyperopia, is rising globally, particularly among schoolchildren. The increasing prevalence of refractive errors has been associated with factors, such as educational workloads, reduced time spent outdoors, and lifestyle changes, which may contribute to the growing burden of visual impairment. The unmet need for refractive error correction, especially among adolescents, has been attributed to socioeconomic barriers and inadequate access to healthcare services. Although, the use of contact lenses in refractive error improvisations has significantly improved the scenario. With the growing prevalence of refractive errors and the rising disposable income of individuals, the demand for contact lenses is expected to propel in the future.

For instance, as per the Global Refractive Error Expert Consultation meeting report published in May 2023, uncorrected refractive error is the primary cause of vision impairment among both children and adults. It is estimated that only 36% of people with distance vision impairment due to refractive error have been provided with appropriate spectacles globally. Additionally, more than 800 million people have near vision impairment, or presbyopia, which could be treated with a pair of spectacles.

Technological Advancements in Contact Lenses

Recent developments in contact lens technology have led to innovative proposals for contact lenses beyond vision correction. Researchers and the contact lens industry are working on various advancements that are expected to significantly broaden the range of contact lens applications in the coming years. These include the use of contact lenses for myopia control, delivery of topical drugs, management of ocular surface diseases, and even as novel biosensors. Furthermore, the development of contact lens sensors, such as smart contact lenses, is also being explored, which could potentially monitor health parameters, improve vision, and provide various other features like a smartphone. The potential future opportunities for novel contact lenses extend far beyond their traditional uses, and it is expected that contact lenses in the next decade will be quite different from what they are now, further expanding the scope of the global contact lens market.

For instance, in March 2023, CooperVision launched the MyDay Energys Contact Lenses in the United States market. MyDay Energys is the first 1-Day lens that combines Innovative DigitalBoost and Aquaform Technologies to provide help with tiredness and dryness associated with digital eye strain, providing extraordinary comfort to patients.

Dominance of Corrective Application of Contact Lenses

The corrective application of contact lenses is anticipated to dominate the contact lens market. With the growing demand for refractory corrections and the rising prevalence of eye disorders, the contact lens market is anticipated to expand at faster rates. The dominance of corrective lenses is owed to the advantages that they offer over conventional eyeglasses such as providing a more natural and unobstructed view of the world, a wider field of view, aesthetic benefits, reducing image distortion and glare reflections, and allowing for a more active lifestyle without the inconvenience of glasses, among others. Based on the requirements, the corrective lens design can be multifocal, bifocal, toric, and spherical. Key players are actively coming up with innovative solutions to cater to the growing demand for corrective lenses.

In November 2023, Shamir Optical Industry introduced a new spectacle lens called Shamir Optimee that aims to manage myopia. The company recognizes the increasing demand for effective myopia management and has made it a priority by selecting it as the first development project under its new Shamir Child-Care product portfolio.

Disposable Contact Lens to Dominate the Market

Disposable contact lenses are anticipated to dominate the market owing to a shift in preference towards disposable contact lenses due to enhanced comfort, reduced resources, and time on storage and cleaning of lenses, and most importantly reduced chances of eye infections that may occur due to long-term use of the single lens. Eye specialists prefer disposable contact lenses over reusable ones because of their advantages. Through these understandings of growing consumer preferences, manufacturers are also coming up with more such products.

For instance, in June 2023, Bausch + Lomb Corporation, which is a leading global eye health company, announced the launch of Bausch + Lomb INFUSE Multifocal silicone hydrogel (SiHy) daily disposable contact lenses in the United States. The new contact lenses feature a next-generation material infused with ProBalance Technology that provides all-day comfort and the company’s unique 3-Zone Progressive design. The lenses have been designed to address the dynamic vision requirements of patients suffering from presbyopia. They deliver clear vision with seamless transitions across near, intermediate, and distance vision and help minimize contact lens dryness.

North America to be the Dominating Region

North America is anticipated to dominate the global contact lens market due to the rising cases of refractory eye defects. The younger generation is also a significant driver of this market due to trending fashions and increasing incidence of eye diseases. The aesthetic and cosmetic applications of contact lenses are very popular among the younger generation, while corrective lenses are in high demand among elderly people. The rising awareness among common people about contact lenses and their advantages has significantly pushed the market. Additionally, the strong presence of key players in the region like Alcon Vision LLC, Bausch & Lomb, Inc., ZEISS International, and CooperVision, Inc. is also contributing largely towards the dominance of North America in this market.

For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45 million people in the United States use contact lenses and two-thirds of them are females. 90% of this lens-wearing population uses soft contact lenses.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Smart contact lenses can be considered the future of vision correction and wearable technology. These lenses are being developed to do more than improve vision. They are expected to display information, monitor health, and control devices. Some of the potential features of smart contact lenses include displaying basic data, taking photographs, monitoring blood glucose levels, and providing augmented reality experiences. Ongoing technological advancements are making these lenses more sophisticated and capable, with the potential to redefine the way we interact with the world.

For instance, in December 2023, Azalea Vision announced the first on-eye test of its proprietary smart contact lens, ALMA. This lens is designed to offer a non-surgical solution for patients suffering from keratoconus, corneal irregularities, photophobia, and presbyopia. ALMA is the first functional prototype of the company's smart contact lens platform. It includes an embedded diaphragm with an aperture that can be adjusted to filter the amount of light entering the eye. Additionally, the lens features liquid-crystal technology, a microchip, a radiofrequency antenna, and a medical-grade micro-battery.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Alcon Vision LLC, Bausch & Lomb, Inc., ZEISS International, CooperVision, Inc., Essilor International S.A., Hoya Corp., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., and STAAR Surgical Company are some of the top market players involved in manufacturing of contact lenses. These firms are actively involved in product development and innovations through extensive research and development. Alongside, collaborations, investments, mergers, and acquisitions are some of the common tactics used by these firms to expand their offerings.

In May 2023, Black Pearl Vision, a Black and woman-owned contact lens manufacturer, acquired PolyDev, an Ireland-based manufacturer specializing in color contact lenses. This has allowed Black Pearl Vision to expand its product line, now offering opaque color contact lenses. PolyDev will operate as a subsidiary of Black Pearl Vision, bringing its cutting-edge facility in Ireland under the company's umbrella. The deal is expected to be finalized in June for an undisclosed sum.

In July 2023, Smartlens, a company based in California, received a funding of USD 6.1 million. The funds will be used to acquire regulatory clearance for their miLens offering. miLens is a soft contact lens that uses microfluidics technology to monitor diurnal intraocular pressure. It is free of electronics and allows providers to gather data for glaucoma detection.