U.S. Reading Glasses Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Age Group (Less than 18 Years, 18-64 Years, and 65 Years and Older), By Corrective Strength (+0.25 to +2, +2.25 to +3, and Greater than +3), and By Type (Prescription Reading Glasses and OTC Reading Glasses), and Forecast, 2022-2029

The U.S. reading glasses market size was valued at USD 14.31 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 14.86 billion in 2022 to USD 21.21 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with reading glasses experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the U.S. reading glasses market exhibited a decline of -15.9% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Sedentary lifestyle, including poor diet and excessive usage of screen time such as computer or smartphone use is resulting in an increased number of patients suffering from presbyopia, astigmatism, and others. For instance, according to an article published by Healio in 2022, more than 120.0 million people in the U.S. were suffering from presbyopia.

Thus, the increasing number of patients is fueling the demand for these glasses in the United States during the study period. In addition, growing geriatric population and increasing focus of the major market players on introducing advanced glasses to cater to the supply demand gap are some of the other major factors fostering the adoption rate of these glasses. Therefore, this factor is expected to lead to the U.S. reading glasses market growth during the study period.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Lower Accessibility of Optometric Services amid COVID-19 Led to Negative Impact on Market Growth

The outbreak of COVID-19 had a negative impact on the market. Major players operating in the market have experienced a huge decline in revenue.

• SAFILO GROUP S.P.A. generated a revenue of USD 928.9 million in 2020, a decrease of 16.9% compared to USD 1,117.9 million in 2019.


• ZEISS International generated a revenue of USD 1,308.3 million from the consumer market segment in 2020, a decrease of 9.2% compared to USD 1,441.7 million in 2019.

This significant decline in revenue is mainly attributed to the difficulty in accessing optometric services during the pandemic. According to the data published by Bryn Mawr Communications, LLC, in 2021, around 23.0% of the U.S. population missed their appointment for eye tests due to the pandemic.

This has resulted in lower demand for routine optical check-ups, leading to a subsequent decline in the adoption rate of these glasses among the U.S. population. In addition, supply chain disruption and sudden closure of manufacturing facilities affected the demand for these glasses. According to an article published by PentaVision, Inc., in March 2022, supply chain disruption, workers’ shortage, and decreased production impacted the sales of eyewear significantly during the pandemic.

However, resuming optometry services and the easing of strict restrictions during 2020-2021 period have fueled the adoption rate of these glasses and resulted in market growth. Additionally, key market players also experienced a stellar growth in revenue during 2021.

• SAFILO GROUP S.P.A. generated a revenue of USD 1,154.3 million in 2021, which was an increase of 24.3% as compared to the previous year.


• ZEISS International generated a revenue of USD 1,659.5 million from the consumer segment during 2021, an increase of 26.8% as compared to the revenue of 2020.

LATEST TRENDS

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Preferential Shift of Patients Toward Online Channels for Product Purchase

A preferential shift was observed for online purchase channels in recent years. Certain key factors including the increasing presence of online vendors and a huge amount of price difference compared to retail outlets led the U.S. population to opt for online channels. According to data published by the Vision Council in 2021, around 12.9% of prescription eyeglass purchases were made online in the U.S.

Along with that, the availability of a large variety of these glasses and the availability of virtual tools for real-time experience are shifting customer focus toward online channels.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Prevalence of Presbyopia and Astigmatism to Surge Demand

The rising prevalence of key eye disorders, including presbyopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia among others is leading to an increased number of patients in the country. This is increasing the demand for available treatment options for these disorders. According to statistics published by NVISION Eye Centers in February 2022, one in every three people in the U.S. has astigmatism. Also, around 14.2 million people above the age of 40 in the U.S. are suffering from farsightedness.

Rising prevalence of key eye disorders is further augmented by increased screen time among the U.S. population in recent years. This is affecting the eyesight of U.S. adults and children. According to an article by Eyesafe Inc., in March 2020, the screen time for U.S. adults increased from 8 hours in 2018 to 13 hours in 2020 per day, leading to increased high-intensity blue light exposure.

Thus, increased screen time per day, rising prevalence of key eye disorders, and the introduction of advanced eyeglasses by major players are fostering the demand and adoption of these glasses among the U.S. population. This is significantly driving the growth of the market during the study period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Limited Adoption Rate Due to Availability of Alternative Treatment Options for Vision Correction

Increasing number of available alternatives, such as contact lenses and LASIK surgeries, are limiting the adoption of these glasses. Also, several advantages associated with these alternatives such as increased aesthetics, elimination of discomfort, and permanent cure from the key eye disorders by surgeries are shifting the focus toward these alternative options. According to data published by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2021, there were approximately 45.0 million contact lens users in the U.S., which is an increase of around 9.8% compared to 2018.

Additionally, certain errors while choosing the correct strength for OTC glasses limit the adoption rate of OTC glasses. According to an article published in Verywell Health in June 2022, it is illegal to sell OTC glasses over the strength +2.75D in certain states such as New York in the U.S.

The above factors coupled with the presence of other treatment options, such as recent FDA-approved Vuity eye drops used to treat presbyopia, could reduce the adoption rate of these glasses in the U.S.

SEGMENTATION

By Age Group Analysis

Rising Prevalence of Key Eye Disorders among 18-64 Year Age Group Led to the Dominance of this Segment

On the basis of age group, the market is segmented into less than 18 years, 18-64 years, and 65 years and older.

The 18-64 years segment held a dominant share in 2021. One of the significant factors for the dominance of this segment is the higher prevalence of critical eye disorders among this age group. According to several research articles and interviews with key opinion leaders, a significant proportion of the U.S. population in the age group of 41-60 years were suffering from presbyopia in 2021.

The less than 18 years segment is anticipated to grow with a significant CAGR during the study period. Increased screen time among this age group is one of the key factors for the increasing demand for these glasses among this age group.

By Corrective Strength Analysis

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Increasing Adult Population with Corrective Strength of +0.25 to +2 D Resulted in Segmental Dominance

Based on corrective strength, the market is segmented into +0.25 to +2, +2.25 to +3, and greater than +3.

Among them, the +0.25 to +2 segment held a major share in the market in 2021. The increasing U.S. population in the age group of 4-59 years and rising demand for glasses with a corrective strength of +0.25 to +2 are responsible for the growth of this segment during the study period. According to Population Pyramid, the total U.S. population in the age group of 4-59 years was 255.4 million.

The +2.25 to +3 segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR during the study period. This segment’s growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption rate of these types of glasses with corrective strength +2.25 to +3 among the U.S. population of age group 60 and above.

By Type Analysis

Certain Advantages Offered by Prescription Glasses Led to its Market Dominance

Based on type, the market is categorized into prescription reading glasses and OTC reading glasses.

The prescription reading glasses segment held a significant market share in 2021. Increasing preference toward prescription glasses due to accurate and customized corrective strength according to the consumer's need is one of the primary reasons for the highest adoption of prescription glasses among U.S. consumers.

According to data published by the Vision Council in 2021, 63.7% adults wear prescription eyeglasses, which is around 166.5 million people in the U.S.

On the other hand, OTC reading glasses are expected to grow with a significant CAGR due to the availability of a wide range of OTC glass options at a lower cost compared to prescription glasses.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Innovative Product Launches and Expansion of Distribution Channel Responsible to Remain Dominant

The competitive landscape of the market consists of dominant and emerging manufacturing companies. This is expected to provide a wide range of these glasses to fulfill the unmet need of the U.S. population suffering with key eye disorders, including presbyopia, astigmatism, and others.

EssilorLuxottica held a dominant market share in 2021 by focusing on inorganic growth strategies such as partnerships with other players to widen the distribution network. Such collaborations are projected to contribute to the market growth during the forecast period. Other players, including HOYA Corporation and ZEISS International focus on the advanced product launch to strengthen their brand presence in the U.S.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• EssilorLuxottica (France)


• ZEISS International (Germany)


• SAFILO GROUP S.P.A. (Italy)


• HOYA Corporation (Japan)


• Hilco Vision (U.S.)


• ThinOptics, Inc. (U.S.)


• ZENNI OPTICAL, INC. (U.S.)


• GUNNAR Optiks (U.S.)


• Pixel Eyewear (U.S.)


• Swanwick (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2022 - ZEISS International launched a new design named Freeform Lens offering high optical quality. The solution provided clear vision, which is thin and flat in structure at the advantage of low cost. The launch helped in enhancing the product portfolio of the company.


• December 2021 - EssilorLuxottica acquired GrandVision, a global optical retailer with over 7,200 locations worldwide. The deal expanded EssilorLuxottica’s business and customer base globally.


• June 2021 – EssilorLuxottica announced the renewal of an exclusive license agreement with the COACH Eyewear brand for the design, production, and worldwide distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses. The move aimed to build loyalty and strengthen connections with COACH’s clients worldwide.


• June 2021 - ZEISS International acquired the production site (optical laboratory) from U.S. Vision, which will serve as the production site for the future expansion of the company. The deal helped in increasing the manufacturing capacity of ZEISS’s vision care products.


• February 2021 - EssilorLuxottica and Cooper Companies Inc. inked a deal to create a joint venture for the takeover of SightGlass Vision Inc. The deal was intended at accelerating the commercialization of the spectacle lenses offered by SightGlass Vision.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of U.S. Reading Glasses Market

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The U.S. reading glasses market research report provides a granular overview of the market by performing corporate analysis and accurate data. It focuses on key aspects, such as growth rates, leading market players, market dynamics, SWOT analysis, and adoption rate. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report provides an analysis of the several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation