Soft Contact Lens Market Size, Growth

Soft Contact Lens Market Overview

The Soft Contact Lens Market size was valued at USD 9693 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 12934.83 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.

The global soft contact lens market is witnessing significant traction due to increasing consumer preference for convenient and comfortable vision correction solutions. As of 2024, more than 140 million people worldwide use contact lenses, with soft lenses accounting for over 85% of total usage.

These lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, ensuring enhanced comfort and longer wear times. In the United States alone, approximately 45 million individuals wear contact lenses, and 90% of them opt for soft variants. The demand for daily disposable soft lenses is surging, with over 55% of lens users in developed countries preferring daily disposables due to hygiene and convenience.

Manufacturers are innovating with silicone hydrogel materials that provide six times more oxygen permeability than traditional hydrogel lenses. Additionally, cosmetic soft lenses are rising in popularity, with over 12 million wearers globally opting for them for aesthetic enhancements. The market is also being shaped by technological advancements such as UV-blocking capabilities and smart contact lenses integrated with biosensors.

Key Findings

Driver: Growing prevalence of myopia and digital eye strain globally.

Country/Region: North America, with over 45 million contact lens users as of 2024.

Segment: Daily Replacement Lens segment, accounting for over 55% of total soft lens consumption.

Soft Contact Lens Market Trends

The soft contact lens market is undergoing rapid transformation due to technological integration and increasing consumer awareness. One notable trend is the shift toward daily disposable lenses. In 2023, daily disposables comprised over 50% of the soft lens market in developed economies such as the US, UK, and Japan. These lenses offer enhanced hygiene, minimal maintenance, and reduced risk of eye infections, making them attractive to health-conscious consumers. Cosmetic and colored lenses continue to gain momentum, especially in Asia-Pacific markets like South Korea and Japan. In South Korea alone, cosmetic lenses accounted for more than 30% of total soft lens sales in 2023. Celebrity endorsements and social media influence are driving this demand. Furthermore, silicone hydrogel lenses are dominating the material segment due to their oxygen permeability and extended wear comfort. In 2024, silicone hydrogel lenses represented approximately 70% of newly prescribed lenses in the US. Smart contact lenses are also emerging, with major tech and healthcare companies investing in embedded sensors for glucose monitoring and intraocular pressure tracking. In 2023, over 20 patents were filed for wearable sensor-integrated lenses. These developments indicate strong R&D investments and increasing potential for multifunctional lens usage.

Soft Contact Lens Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the soft contact lens market are driven by a combination of evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and demographic trends. A primary driver is the increasing prevalence of visual impairments such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which affects over 2.6 billion people globally. This rising burden has significantly boosted demand for corrective solutions, with soft contact lenses emerging as a preferred choice due to their superior comfort and convenience compared to rigid lenses or spectacles.

DRIVER

Rising prevalence of vision correction needs due to screen exposure and myopia

The increase in screen time across all age groups, especially post-pandemic, has led to a marked rise in digital eye strain and myopia. In 2023, global smartphone users exceeded 6.9 billion, and studies show over 60% of these users experience some level of eye fatigue. This has accelerated demand for corrective solutions like soft contact lenses. Furthermore, myopia has become increasingly prevalent, with over 2.6 billion people affected globally in 2024. In China alone, nearly 70% of high school students suffer from myopia, making it a major market for corrective soft lenses. These factors contribute significantly to the growth of soft lens demand.

RESTRAINT

Increased popularity of LASIK and other vision correction surgeries

While soft contact lenses remain popular, the growing affordability and accessibility of laser eye surgeries such as LASIK and SMILE present a challenge. Over 1.3 million LASIK procedures were performed in the US in 2023, reducing long-term dependence on lenses. Additionally, the perception of lenses as temporary or inconvenient compared to surgical solutions deters long-term adoption, especially among younger demographics seeking permanent fixes.

OPPORTUNITY

Rising demand for hybrid and multifunctional lenses

With increasing awareness of eye health and technological innovation, there’s growing demand for hybrid lenses that combine comfort with functionality. For instance, lenses with embedded UV protection, moisture retention technology, and even drug-delivery mechanisms are being introduced. In 2023, over 15 new soft lens patents were issued in the US alone for lenses with advanced features. These innovative developments offer major growth opportunities for manufacturers targeting both clinical and consumer sectors.

CHALLENGE

Regulatory hurdles and compliance requirements

Stringent regulatory requirements pose significant challenges for soft lens manufacturers. In Europe, all contact lenses must comply with MDR (Medical Device Regulation) protocols, which increased development and approval time by an average of 6–12 months in 2023. In the US, the FDA classifies contact lenses as Class II and III medical devices, requiring extensive clinical trials and documentation. These compliance barriers raise costs and limit the speed of innovation rollout.

Soft Contact Lens Market Segmentation

The soft contact lens market is segmented by type and application. By type, the market includes Daily Replacement Lens, Weekly Replacement Lens, and Monthly Replacement Lens. By application, it is segmented into Cosmetic, Therapeutic, Corrective, and Others. Each segment shows varying levels of market penetration based on usage frequency, affordability, and demographic targeting.

By Type

Daily Replacement Lens: Daily disposables have emerged as the most preferred type due to superior hygiene and convenience. In 2023, over 55% of new soft lens prescriptions in the US were for daily disposables. They eliminate the need for cleaning solutions, reducing the risk of infections such as keratitis. In Japan, daily lenses represent over 60% of total lens consumption, favored by office workers and students alike.
Weekly Replacement Lens: Weekly lenses offer a balance between cost-effectiveness and comfort. These lenses are often chosen by intermediate users who seek extended wear but prefer changing lenses more frequently than monthly users. In 2023, weekly lenses accounted for approximately 20% of the soft lens market in the UK and Germany. Their adoption is rising in Latin American markets due to moderate pricing and reduced maintenance.
Monthly Replacement Lens: Monthly lenses remain popular in emerging economies due to affordability. In 2023, India and Brazil recorded monthly lens usage rates of over 50% among total wearers. These lenses require regular cleaning and care but are more cost-efficient over time. They are typically made of silicone hydrogel, offering high oxygen permeability and durability.

By Application

Cosmetic: Cosmetic lenses are widely popular in Asia-Pacific, especially in South Korea and Japan. Over 15 million people globally use colored contact lenses, with more than 9 million users in Asia alone. These lenses are frequently worn for fashion, photography, and beauty enhancement.
Therapeutic: Therapeutic soft lenses are used to treat or manage ocular diseases such as corneal ulcers, dry eye syndrome, or post-surgical recovery. In 2023, over 500,000 therapeutic lenses were prescribed in the US alone. They are often prescribed by ophthalmologists as part of chronic eye condition management.
Corrective: Corrective lenses represent the largest application segment. Over 90% of soft contact lenses sold globally are used for vision correction, primarily for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The prevalence of myopia in children and teenagers has led to increased demand for corrective lenses in school-going populations.
Others: This segment includes lenses used for novelty, theatrical, and special occupational purposes. Though small in volume, the segment saw notable growth in theatrical industries and the Halloween season, especially in the US, where sales of special-effect lenses exceeded 1 million units in 2023.

Regional Outlook for the Soft Contact Lens Market

The regional outlook for the soft contact lens market reveals a diverse landscape shaped by demographic trends, healthcare infrastructure, consumer preferences, and regulatory environments. North America leads the global market, with the United States accounting for over 45 million contact lens users as of 2024. The region benefits from widespread access to eye care professionals, high disposable income, and a strong presence of major manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson Vision and CooperVision. Daily disposable lenses are especially dominant, with more than 60% of new prescriptions favoring this segment due to hygiene benefits and convenience.

North America

North America dominates the global soft contact lens market with more than 45 million users in the United States alone as of 2024. Daily disposable lenses make up over 60% of sales in the region. The presence of key manufacturers and advanced optical retail infrastructure supports market leadership. Additionally, more than 36% of teenagers in the US now use contact lenses instead of glasses, indicating youth-driven demand.

Europe

Europe is the second-largest market, led by countries like Germany, France, and the UK. In 2023, over 20 million people in Europe wore contact lenses, with 75% of them preferring soft lenses. Germany recorded a 10% rise in daily disposable lens use from 2022 to 2023. Europe's demand is also supported by favorable reimbursement policies in certain countries and increased adoption of colored lenses in urban areas.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for soft contact lenses, driven by high myopia rates and fashion-conscious youth demographics. In China, contact lens users surpassed 30 million in 2023. South Korea reported over 50% market share for colored cosmetic lenses, with a booming online and retail sales ecosystem. In India, more than 5 million new lens users were registered between 2022 and 2024, largely using monthly lenses due to affordability.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing gradual growth. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, rising disposable income and urbanization have driven a 12% increase in soft lens adoption between 2022 and 2024. South Africa reported over 1 million contact lens wearers in 2023, primarily using monthly lenses due to limited access to frequent replacements and optical centers.

List of Top Soft Contact Lens Companies

Novartis
CooperVision
Bausch + Lomb
Shine Optical
Menicon
Hydron
Weicon
Bescon
NEO Vision
Clearlab
Oculus
Camax
Seed
Hoya Corp
OVCTEK

CooperVision: CooperVision holds a dominant share of over 30% in the global soft contact lens market. The company sells products in over 130 countries and has manufacturing facilities across the US, UK, and Hungary. Its Clariti 1 Day silicone hydrogel lenses saw over 20% year-on-year sales growth in 2023.

Johnson & Johnson (ACUVUE - via parent Novartis): ACUVUE lenses, a product line under Johnson & Johnson Vision, maintain a strong global footprint, with over 45 million wearers. The ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe technology has been one of the top-selling lens lines since 2020, recording more than 18 million units sold in 2023.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The soft contact lens market is witnessing strong capital inflows across R&D, manufacturing infrastructure, and digital retail channels. In 2023, investment in smart contact lenses alone exceeded USD 600 million globally, with firms such as Mojo Vision and Google-backed Verily leading innovation in biosensor-embedded lenses. Over 25 venture capital deals were recorded in the contact lens startup ecosystem in 2023, focusing on advanced diagnostics, prescription personalization, and sustainable lens production. In manufacturing, companies like CooperVision and Bausch + Lomb expanded production lines in Hungary and Ireland, increasing monthly output capacity by over 15 million lens units. The growing demand for daily disposable lenses, which require higher production throughput, has led to automation investments in molding and packaging lines. For example, in 2023, Bausch + Lomb invested in a robotic automation system capable of producing over 1,200 lenses per hour per line. E-commerce is another lucrative opportunity. Online sales of contact lenses in North America surged by 18% year-on-year in 2023. Emerging players such as Hubble and Warby Parker entered the market with subscription-based models that attracted over 500,000 customers each in 2023. In Asia-Pacific, digital platforms accounted for 30% of contact lens sales in South Korea and China combined, offering manufacturers a direct-to-consumer sales channel. Green innovation is becoming an investment magnet. In 2023, CooperVision launched its first plastic-neutral contact lenses in partnership with Plastic Bank. This sustainable packaging initiative attracted attention from ESG investors and resulted in more than 20 million lenses sold with certified neutral packaging within 12 months of launch. As the regulatory focus on sustainability increases, eco-conscious solutions represent a clear opportunity. Therapeutic and drug-delivering lenses are also gaining investor traction. Companies have invested over USD 400 million since 2022 into lenses capable of delivering glaucoma medication or allergy treatment over extended periods. The FDA approved its first therapeutic lens for glaucoma treatment in 2023, paving the way for broader commercialization.

New Product Development

Recent years have seen a surge in new product developments aimed at improving comfort, functionality, and medical application of soft contact lenses. In 2023, CooperVision introduced MyDay Energys™, a daily disposable lens designed specifically to reduce digital eye strain. Clinical trials involving over 350 participants showed a 30% improvement in screen-use comfort and reduced blinking issues by 25% compared to conventional daily lenses. Bausch + Lomb launched INFUSE® One-Day lenses featuring ProBalance Technology™, incorporating osmoprotectants and electrolytes to stabilize the tear film. Market response was strong, with over 4 million lenses sold within six months of release. The lens was particularly successful among patients aged 30–50, a demographic increasingly reliant on screen-based work. Menicon expanded its Miru line in 2024 by launching the Miru 1Day Menicon Flat Pack Toric lenses for astigmatism correction. The product features 75% less packaging volume, making it both environmentally friendly and portable. Over 15 countries adopted this product by Q4 2024, reporting high adoption in clinics promoting eco-conscious ophthalmic solutions. Seed, a major Japanese contact lens manufacturer, introduced a lens line infused with hyaluronic acid that retained 40% more moisture than conventional lenses. The product gained strong traction in the Asia-Pacific dry eye treatment market. With over 2.1 million units sold by the end of 2023, it demonstrated strong acceptance in humid and urban regions. Technology firms have also entered the space. Mojo Vision announced progress on a smart soft contact lens with microLED display technology embedded in a biocompatible lens. The prototype, unveiled in 2023, offers augmented reality functionalities and real-time health monitoring. Though not yet commercial, it attracted strategic partnerships with ophthalmic device firms and tech investors.

Five Recent Developments

CooperVision launched MyDay Energys™ lenses globally in 2023, addressing digital eye fatigue; over 2.8 million units were sold in the first nine months.
Johnson & Johnson Vision expanded ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day lenses in over 15 countries by Q2 2024, featuring TearStable™ Technology and blue light filtering.
Menicon’s new toric lens line for astigmatism, Miru 1Day Flat Pack, was released in 2023 with packaging reduction of 75%, meeting eco-friendly product demand.
Seed Co. introduced moisture-retention lenses with embedded hyaluronic acid in Q3 2023, boosting retention by 40% among dry-eye patients.
Mojo Vision secured a $100 million funding round in 2024 to accelerate smart contact lens development with microLED and biosensor integration.

Report Coverage of Soft Contact Lens Market

This report covers a comprehensive analysis of the global soft contact lens market with detailed insights into product types, application areas, regional performance, leading companies, market trends, and future growth opportunities. The soft contact lens market comprises over 140 million users globally, with a strong shift toward daily disposables, which accounted for more than 55% of all new prescriptions in developed countries in 2023. The report investigates the driving factors influencing the market, including the growing prevalence of myopia (over 2.6 billion affected globally), increased screen time (more than 6.9 billion smartphone users in 2024), and rising preference for cosmetic lenses in regions like Asia-Pacific. Detailed segmentation analysis includes daily, weekly, and monthly replacement lenses, as well as applications across corrective, cosmetic, therapeutic, and specialty uses. It profiles 15+ major players, including CooperVision, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Bausch + Lomb, Menicon, Seed, and St.Shine Optical, among others. CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson Vision emerge as the top competitors, controlling significant portions of the market share through technological innovation and wide global distribution. Regionally, North America leads in lens adoption with over 45 million users, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing, driven by the high prevalence of vision disorders and fashion-driven consumption in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. Europe represents a mature market with strong demand for both cosmetic and corrective lenses, and the Middle East & Africa is emerging due to rising income levels and urbanization. The report further delves into investment patterns, highlighting over USD 1 billion in funding activities across smart lenses, automation, and sustainability in 2023–2024. It also captures recent product innovations such as daily lenses for digital eye strain, moisture-locking lenses for dry eye patients, and ongoing development of biosensor-integrated lenses.