Contact Lenses Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Modality (Reusable and Disposable), By Design (Toric, Multifocal, and Spherical), By Distribution Channel (Ophthalmologists, Retail Stores, and Online Stores), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global contact lenses market size was valued at USD 9.90 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 10.35 billion in 2023 to USD 15.40 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period.

Contact lenses are thin lenses placed on the eye's surface for vision correction. They are either hard or soft, depending on their nature, comfort, and reusability. The increasing adoption of these ocular prosthetic devices among developing countries and the rising global prevalence of refractive errors are responsible for the market growth during the forecast period.

• According to a BMC Public Health report published in 2021, a recent study estimated that 116.3 million people suffered from moderate to severe visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error.

The increasing global burden of refractive errors and rising awareness of refractive vision correction with lenses for these eye conditions are expected to surge the demand for these lenses.

However, the availability of alternative and economical treatment options for refractive errors, such as eyeglasses and LASIK surgery, can be a major reason to limit the growth of the market.

COVID-19 IMPACT

High Risk of Infections Associated with Contact Lenses Led to Decline in Product Demand During COVID-19 Pandemic

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased the demand for these devices across the world. Leading players operating in the market reported a major decline in their revenues and sales due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease in revenues was attributed to consumers’ shift from these devices to eyeglasses during the lockdown period. Also, decreased demand for lenses while staying at home was another reason contributing to the drop in the number of these lens wearers.

A vast majority of eye care professionals reported a significant decline in the number of patient visits during the lockdown period. This was due to the cancellation of medical practices, especially elective procedures, to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

• For instance, according to data published by the NCBI in 2021, 79.7% wearers used contact lens daily before the pandemic, while only 62.7% reported using lens daily during pandemic. As people spent more time at home, 79.6% of contact lens wearers reported a reduction in lens usage.


• Moreover, Alcon generated a net profit of USD 6,736.0 million in 2020 from its vision care segment, witnessing a decline of 8.5% as compared to USD 7,362.0 million in 2019.

Leading players in the market reported a notable decrease in the demand for contact lenses during the financial year due to the implementation of emergency protocols to close customer facilities and considerable disruption in business activities. Furthermore, they faced several challenges such as disruptions in raw material and product supplies.

However, with relaxations in pandemic restrictions, the number of patient visits for eye check-ups and other procedures gradually increased in 2021, which caused a notable bounce in the sales of lenses and revenues of the key players.

• In 2021, Johnson & Johnson Vision conducted a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on contact lens wear in Western Europe. The result showed that the region witnessed a 12% increase in the total consumption of lenses.


• Also, Alcon recorded a revenue of USD 2,139.0 million from its vision care segment in 2021, witnessing a growth of around 16.4% as compared to the previous year.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Prevalence of Ocular Diseases to Boost Demand for Daily Disposable Lenses

The rising prevalence of ocular diseases is increasing the demand for these lenses for the correction of refractive errors and for therapeutic as well as cosmetic purposes.

The growing awareness regarding the benefits of disposable lenses and rising focus of the key players on developing and introducing novel products with greater comfort and ease to use are causing a shift toward these lenses among the general population.

Additionally, many contact lens manufacturers are involved in creating awareness programs and launching innovative products in the market, which are expected to support the sales of daily disposables.

• For instance, in September 2022, CooperVision launched MyDay Energys daily disposable lenses to cater to the demand of a digital lifestyle.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Incidence of Refractive Errors to Boost Penetration of Contact Lenses

Rising cases of myopia and presbyopia, especially among children and adults, and reluctance among the general population toward vision correction are increasing the percentage of people suffering from vision impairment globally. Also, uncorrected refractive errors are among the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness globally.

Around 80% of cases of visual impairment are preventable and treatable. However, limited awareness among the general population about the available treatment options is one of the primary reasons for lower diagnosis and treatment rates, especially in developing countries.

• According to the 2021 report published by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), an estimated 161 million people worldwide suffered from vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive errors. Additionally, there were more than 77 million people suffering from vision loss due to medical conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

However, rising initiatives by regional and national government agencies and key market players toward increasing the awareness of the benefits of vision correction among the general population have boosted the number of vision correction users globally, including lens wearers.

• According to data published by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2021, there were around 45 million lens users in the U.S. alone. Also, according to the data published by BioMed Central Ltd., in 2021, around 150 million people used lenses across the world.

The rising adoption of these lenses in developed as well as developing countries is anticipated to drive the contact lenses market growth. Along with this, the focus of organizations on emerging markets is also estimated to increase the product penetration in developed as well as developing countries.

Technological Advancements and Introduction of Contact Lenses by Market Players to Boost Market Progress

Leading manufacturers in the market are focusing on increasing their R&D investments to develop and introduce technologically advanced lenses. These lenses will be majorly used for vision correction, thereby fueling the product usage among the patient population.

• According to a 2022 annual report of the Cooper Companies Inc., the company increased its R&D expenditure from USD 92.7 million in 2021 to USD 110.3 million in 2022. The increase was done primarily for developing lenses, manufacturing technologies, and process enhancements.

Similarly, the rising number of product approvals and launches by key players is expected to drive the demand and penetration of the product in the market during the forecast period.

• In January 2023, Alcon announced plans to launch TOTAL30, a premium, reusable toric lens for astigmatism in the United States and Europe in early 2023. The company intends to expand to more global markets throughout the year.

The use of novel approaches and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of lenses are some of the prominent focus areas of key players. These factors will increase the market share.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Availability of Alternative Treatments for Refractive Errors to Curb Market Growth

The long-term use of contact lenses comes with several side effects, such as infection, corneal edema, superficial keratitis, red eye, and others, which is why an increasing percentage of the patient population is looking for alternative treatment options for vision correction.

Alternative treatments, such as eyeglasses, LASIK surgery, and others offer more benefits as compared to lenses. Eyeglasses require minimal cleaning, have a low risk of eye infection, and are more economical when compared with these type of lenses.

• According to data published by Harvard Health Publishing in 2021, keratitis, which can lead to blindness, affects around 20 per 10,000 contact lens users. Additionally, around 1 million hospital and emergency room visits every year were associated with improper usage of these devices.


• According to the Refractive Surgery Council (RSC), the number of Laser Vision Correction (LVC) procedures for the fourth quarter of 2021 was around 190,509, witnessing an increase of 32% as compared to the same time in the previous year. Also, the total number of procedures stood at about 833,000, demonstrating a significant consumer shift toward refractive surgery options.

Moreover, the availability of substitutes, such as eyeglasses and LASIK surgery, for the treatment of refractive errors is a major restraining factor for the market growth. Additionally, lack of insurance reimbursement for these devices might hamper the demand for these products in developed countries during the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION

By Modality Analysis

Reusable Segment to Hold Dominant Share Owing to Several Benefits

Based on modality, the market is segmented into reusable and disposable. The reusable segment accounted for the largest share of the global market. The growing number of patients suffering from refractive errors and increasing number of contact lens wearers are responsible for the growing demand for these products.

• According to 2021 data published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 45 million lens wearers in the U.S., among which 75% of them were aged 25 and older.

The increasing number of contact lens wearers globally and the rising adoption of reusable lenses are expected to support the segment's growth.

Additionally, the benefits of reusable lenses, such as durability and comfort, will augment the market growth during the forecast period.

On the other hand, the disposable segment is expected to record a significant growth rate during the forecast period. It is attributable to the rising inclination of the population toward daily disposable lenses as it reduces wearing complications. This, along with the introduction of new disposable lenses by leading players, fuels the segment’s growth.

By Design Analysis

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Technological Advancements in Spherical Lenses Boosted their Demand in 2022

Based on design, the market is segmented into toric, multifocal, and spherical. The spherical segment is projected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. The dominance of the segment is due to technological developments and exact fittings of spherical lenses. The rising penetration of these lenses is expected to surge the demand and adoption of these lenses during the forecast period.

The toric segment is expected to grow due to the increasing prevalence of astigmatism among the population globally. More patients are opting for toric lenses owing to their benefits and technological advancements.

The increasing focus of market players to introduce new products is among the major reasons behind the segment's growth.

• For instance, according to 2022 statistics on Eye Disease in America published by NVISION Eye Centers, astigmatism occurs in one out of every three people in the U.S.

The multifocal segment is expected to record a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing prescription rate of multifocal lenses by eye care professionals for patients suffering from presbyopia is one of the important factors supporting the growth of the segment.

Also, the rising focus of key market players on R&D to develop and launch multifocal lenses for conditions, such as myopia, hyperopia, and others, is another factor contributing to the growth of the segment.

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• According to ClinicalTrials.gov, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is undertaking a study for developing daily disposable silicone hydrogel multifocal lenses for patients suffering from myopia and hyperopia.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Retail Stores to Hold Dominant Share Owing to Demand for Affordable Lenses

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into ophthalmologists, retail stores, and online stores.

The retail stores segment held the largest share in the global market in 2022. The dominance of this segment is attributed to the initiative of manufacturers to launch advanced products at affordable prices at retail stores; this has increased the penetration of retail stores in the market.

Also, rising number of collaborations and acquisitions of these stores by market players is predicted to expand the chain of these stores.

• In 2020, Menicon Co., Ltd. acquired shares of a contact lens retail outlet in Osaka Prefecture. The acquisition aimed to expand the penetration of the company’s products in the market through retail channels.

The ophthalmologists segment held the second position in terms of the global contact lenses market share in 2022. More patients are opting for prescription lenses from ophthalmologists, and leading market players are increasing their focus on the distribution and sales of lenses through Eye Care Professionals (ECPs), particularly in developed nations. This factor will boost the segment growth.

The online stores segment is also anticipated to record a higher CAGR compared to the other segments. The higher growth of this segment is attributed to evolving regulatory policies for online sales of these devices in developed countries and the entry of leading e-pharmacy players into the market. Moreover, the pandemic crisis has contributed heavily to the preference for online stores over retail.

• For instance, the Vision Council reported in 2021 that nearly 35% of buyers used the internet to varying degrees during their last contact lens purchase. The increasing preference of users for comparing and purchasing lenses through online channels and the growing number of manufacturers developing a strong e-commerce platform are anticipated to support the growth of the segment.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market in North America was valued at USD 3.42 billion in 2022. The growing patient population suffering from refractive errors and rising awareness regarding the various types of vision correction treatments are some of the major factors leading to increasing demand for these lenses in the market. The rising demand for these devices in the U.S. and Canada is anticipated to increase the penetration of these lenses in the region. Also, market players are entering into strategic partnerships and collaborations, which is expected to drive the adoption of contact lenses in North America.

• In January 2022, Alcon launched DAILIES TOTAL1, a water gradient contact lens. The lenses are intended for patients with astigmatism. The launch of this product extended the company’s product portfolio in the U.S. market.

Additionally, the number of lens wearers in the U.S. is likely to increase gradually. According to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency report, in 2021, 31 million people were using lenses in the U.S. The increasing number of lens users due to shifting preference toward eyewear is anticipated to support the growth of the North American market.

Europe accounted for the second-largest share in the global market. This is attributed to the presence of a large patient pool suffering from eye disorders, such as myopia and presbyopia, the growing adoption of advanced products in the region, and regulatory approvals for novel lenses. The rising number of lens wearers in the region is also anticipated to boost the overall market progress.

• According to a 2021 article published by the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the prevalence of myopia increased to 50% in the age group of 25-29, across the region. The overall incidence of myopia was found to be high in western, central, and eastern Europe, accounting for 36.7%, 34.6%, and 32.2%, respectively.


• According to the Association of Optometrists, contact lens penetration was the highest in Sweden at 14.8%, followed by Denmark (13.19%) and Norway (11.37%). This is anticipated to drive the growth of the market.

The Asia Pacific market is expected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The cases of vision impairment are rising in the region, prompting medical professionals to improve diagnostic techniques for ocular diseases in the inbuilt laboratories of ophthalmologist clinics & hospitals. Contact lens manufacturing companies are introducing various novel technologies in the development of these lenses, thereby driving the market growth in Asian countries.

Moreover, the growing disposable income in emerging countries of the region is also providing favorable conditions for the market’s growth.

• According to a 2022 article published by Guardian News & Median Limited, researchers in China developed a contact lens that can sense an increase in pressure within the eye and release an anti-glaucoma drug should the pressure exceed a certain level.

Latin America, alongside the Middle East & Africa, held a lower share of the global market. However, the increasing cases of vision impairment and rising adoption of these devices in the regions are expected to drive the regional market growth during the forecast period.

• According to Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., there are around 1.7 million prescription contact lens wearers and 4.2 million new contact lens wearers in the Middle East.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., Bausch + Lomb, the Cooper Companies Inc., and Alcon to Dominate Market through their Strong Distribution Networks

The global market is consolidated with key players such as Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., the Cooper Companies Inc., and Alcon.

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. captured a larger market share in 2022. The dominance of the company is credited to the increasing number of product launches and strategic collaborations with other players to strengthen its position in the market. The key companies operating in the market are introducing technologically advanced products to gain a competitive advantage over their rivals.

The Cooper Companies Inc. captured the second position in terms of market share in 2022 and is expected to continue to hold this position in the coming years. This is due to the strong emphasis on R&D programs, resulting in the development of innovative solutions and acquisition of other market players.

• In 2022, the R&D expenditure of the Cooper Companies Inc. was around USD 110.3 million compared to USD 92.7 million in 2021. The R&D activities of Cooper Vision Inc. are primarily focused on the development of lenses, manufacturing technology, and process enhancements.

Furthermore, a significant rise in the number of patients suffering from refractive errors and the growing adoption of lenses in emerging countries are projected to increase the number of emerging players in the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (U.S.)


• Alcon (Switzerland)


• The Cooper Companies Inc. (U.S.)


• Menicon Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• HOYA Corporation (Japan)


• EssilorLuxottica (France)


• Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2023 - Alcon launched TOTAL30, a reusable contact lens made with water gradient material for astigmatic contact lens wearers and expanded its product portfolio.


• September 2022 - Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. launched ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-DAY lenses and ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL lenses intended for users suffering from presbyopia.


• June 2022 -  Bausch & Lomb Incorporated launched Revive, a custom soft lens in the U.S. This led to the company’s product portfolio expansion in the U.S. market.


• June 2022 – The Cooper Companies Inc. expanded its manufacturing and distribution facility in New York to increase its geographical presence in the country.


• April 2021 - Cooper Companies Inc. announced the acquisition of No7 Lenses, which designs and manufactures specialty lenses distributed primarily in the U.K.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Contact Lenses Market

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The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, modality, design, and distribution channels. Besides this, it offers insights into the latest trends in the global market and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

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