Vision Care Market Size, Share & Forecast Report, 2033

Vision Care Market Overview

Global vision care market size is projected at USD 65102.68 million in 2024 and is expected to hit USD 76826.11 million by 2033 with a CAGR of 1.8%.

The global vision care market is undergoing transformative growth due to the increasing prevalence of vision impairment and eye-related disorders. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.2 billion people globally suffer from some form of vision impairment, with at least 1 billion having preventable or treatable conditions. The rising elderly population is a critical demographic, as individuals aged 60 years and above account for over 65% of global visual impairment cases. With approximately 703 million people aged 65 and older worldwide in 2023, the demand for vision care solutions is steadily increasing.

Moreover, the growing use of digital screens has fueled a significant rise in digital eye strain and myopia, particularly among younger populations. In the United States alone, nearly 60% of adults report symptoms of digital eye strain, while in Asia, myopia affects over 80% of students in urban regions. This has led to increased demand for contact lenses, eyeglasses, intraocular lenses (IOLs), and lubricating eye drops. Vision care companies are expanding their portfolios to include blue light-filtering lenses and daily disposable contact lenses to address emerging user needs. The market is also witnessing a notable shift toward customized and premium solutions, including multifocal and toric lenses for astigmatism.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing prevalence of vision disorders due to aging and digital screen exposure.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific dominates the market with high myopia rates and a growing aging population.

Top Segment: Contact lenses segment leads due to rising demand for cosmetic and corrective solutions.

Vision Care Market Trends

The vision care market is significantly influenced by trends in demographics, digital lifestyle shifts, and advancements in lens technologies. One of the strongest trends is the rising demand for contact lenses, which surpassed 140 million global users in 2023. Daily disposable lenses accounted for more than 30% of global contact lens sales, driven by hygiene concerns and lifestyle convenience.

Blue light-filtering lenses have seen adoption rates increase by over 25% annually, as users seek protection against screen-induced eye fatigue. With over 6.8 billion smartphone subscriptions globally, screen exposure has reached critical levels. This has propelled demand for protective eyewear, including prescription glasses that incorporate anti-reflective and blue light-blocking coatings.

The market is also seeing innovation in intraocular lenses (IOLs). Over 28 million cataract surgeries were performed globally in 2023, with multifocal and toric IOLs witnessing strong adoption. These lenses enhance both near and distance vision, offering significant improvements in quality of life for patients aged over 60.

Additionally, the emergence of smart contact lenses with embedded biosensors is gaining momentum. These lenses can monitor intraocular pressure for glaucoma management or blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Companies in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea are investing in R&D targeting medical-grade lens innovations.

Environmental sustainability has also emerged as a trend in vision care. Manufacturers are developing biodegradable lens packaging and lens cases made from recycled plastics. Over 70% of surveyed consumers in Europe prefer sustainable eye care products, highlighting the role of eco-conscious branding.

Vision Care Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for eye health solutions due to aging and digital lifestyles

The rapid increase in screen usage, especially among young and working-age populations, has led to widespread eye strain and visual fatigue. Over 70% of adults in developed economies report symptoms associated with digital eye strain, such as blurred vision and dry eyes. The number of individuals aged 65 and older reached approximately 703 million in 2023, a group more susceptible to cataracts, macular degeneration, and presbyopia. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, and intraocular lenses. In 2023, nearly 28 million cataract surgeries were performed globally, and over 55% of them included the use of advanced multifocal or toric IOLs. These factors collectively create sustained momentum in the vision care market.

RESTRAINT

Limited access to quality eye care in rural and low-income regions

While urban centers are equipped with advanced optometry facilities, rural and underserved populations in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia still face a lack of accessible and affordable eye care services. Over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from preventable visual impairments due to the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment. In Sub-Saharan Africa, less than 30% of individuals requiring corrective eyewear currently use it. Additionally, high costs of specialty lenses such as customized toric and blue light-blocking glasses further restrict access in low-income areas. This disparity poses a significant restraint on market expansion in developing economies.

OPPORTUNITY

Technological innovation and personalized vision care

Technological advances in the vision care market are enabling new growth avenues. Smart lenses embedded with biosensors, augmented reality integration, and lenses tailored for individual prescriptions are rapidly gaining attention. Companies are investing heavily in R&D, with an estimated $2.8 billion allocated globally to vision-related innovations in 2023. Personalized lenses, which account for over 18% of premium eyewear sales, allow for enhanced user comfort and improved visual clarity. Additionally, the increasing popularity of online optometry platforms and virtual fittings is creating opportunities for digital expansion and customer acquisition worldwide.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and sustainability concerns

The cost of high-performance lenses and surgical implants remains a major challenge, especially in emerging markets. Premium contact lenses can cost 2 to 3 times more than traditional options, creating affordability gaps. Furthermore, the use of plastic-based packaging and disposable lenses contributes to environmental concerns. Over 125 million daily contact lens wearers globally discard lenses and packaging that are not biodegradable, leading to mounting pressure on manufacturers to adopt sustainable alternatives. Companies face the dual challenge of maintaining affordability while adopting green solutions, which often require costly changes in production and sourcing.

Vision Care Market Segmentation

The vision care market is segmented based on product type and application. Each segment addresses specific visual needs and target demographics. Product categories such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, and contact lens solutions are customized based on optical corrections, patient age, and lifestyle needs. Applications range across hospitals, optical stores, drugstores, and other healthcare outlets.

By Type

Glass Lens: Glass lenses remain the most commonly used corrective devices, especially for presbyopia and myopia. In 2023, over 1.5 billion people globally used prescription eyeglasses. Among them, anti-reflective coatings were included in 62% of cases to reduce glare. Glass lenses dominate in cost-effective markets like India and Indonesia, where over 70% of the population relies on prescription glasses for vision correction.
Contact Lens: More than 140 million people globally use contact lenses for aesthetic and functional purposes. Daily disposable lenses accounted for over 30% of global sales in 2023, while multifocal and toric contact lenses represented 25% of usage among individuals aged 40 and above. The United States, Japan, and South Korea show high penetration of silicone hydrogel lenses, offering higher oxygen permeability.
IOLs (Intraocular Lenses): Approximately 28 million cataract surgeries were conducted globally in 2023, of which over 55% used premium IOLs such as multifocal and toric types. These lenses correct both presbyopia and astigmatism post-cataract surgery. Markets like the U.S., Germany, and China are witnessing increasing adoption due to rising elderly populations.
Contact Lens Solution: Contact lens solutions accounted for more than 18% of the consumables used in eye care in 2023. Multipurpose solutions dominate with over 70% share due to convenience in disinfection and cleaning. Daily care products like rewetting drops also gained traction, particularly in dry environments like the Middle East and certain U.S. states.
Others: This includes eye drops, vision supplements, and specialized optical devices like orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses. The market for vision supplements grew by over 15% in 2023 due to increasing awareness about macular degeneration and blue light damage.

By Application

Drugstores: Over 40% of eyewear and eye care products are distributed through drugstores globally. In countries like the U.S., Canada, and Germany, OTC reading glasses and lubricating eye drops are common. In 2023, over 300 million units of artificial tears were sold through this channel.
Hospitals: Hospitals dominate the surgical and advanced vision care equipment market, particularly for IOLs and vision correction surgeries. Over 28 million cataract and LASIK procedures were conducted in 2023 through hospital networks.
Optical Shops: Optical shops account for more than 60% of eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. They also offer vision testing services, fitting consultations, and aftercare. In Asia-Pacific, optical shops generated high traffic, with over 120 million prescription tests conducted in 2023 alone.
Others: Other channels include online retail platforms, tele-optometry, and mobile vision screening units. In 2023, online eyewear purchases rose by 32% globally. Mobile eye care units serviced over 2 million people in rural India and Africa, enhancing accessibility.

Vision Care Market Regional Outlook

The vision care market shows substantial regional variations due to aging demographics, healthcare infrastructure, and lifestyle trends.

Global demand is dominated by Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe. North America accounts for a significant proportion of premium eyewear and surgical vision care. Asia-Pacific shows fast growth in myopia management due to urbanization and digital screen usage. Europe benefits from strong health insurance coverage and a growing elderly population.

North America

In 2023, North America had over 200 million vision correction users. The U.S. accounted for 28 million contact lens wearers and over 8 million cataract procedures. Around 64% of adults wear prescription glasses. Technological adoption is high, with 75% of eye care providers offering telehealth consultations. The region is also leading in smart lenses and laser vision correction.

Europe

Europe has a high penetration of prescription eyeglasses, with over 60% of adults in Germany, France, and the UK wearing corrective lenses. Intraocular lens adoption is increasing, particularly in Germany, where over 800,000 cataract procedures are performed annually. Blue light-filtering lenses saw a 20% rise in demand in 2023. Sustainability is a key focus, with over 70% of consumers preferring eco-friendly packaging.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads the market in volume due to high myopia prevalence. In urban China, over 80% of students aged 14–18 are myopic. India and Japan also report rising demand for toric and progressive lenses. Contact lens usage is growing rapidly in South Korea, with over 12 million wearers in 2023. The region performed over 10 million cataract surgeries last year, supported by public health programs.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is underserved, with only 28% of the population using vision correction devices. Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness, with over 5 million untreated cases in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, government and NGO initiatives have increased mobile vision screenings, reaching over 1 million people in rural areas. Eyewear sales are growing in GCC countries due to increasing lifestyle adoption.

List of Top Vision Care Market Companies

Essilor
Johnson & Johnson
Novartis
The Cooper Companies
Bausch Health
ZEISS

Top 2 Companies with Highest Market Share

EssilorLuxottica: Serves over 2.5 billion people globally with vision products. In 2023, they supplied over 1 billion prescription lenses and eyewear products.

Johnson & Johnson Vision: Leads the contact lens segment with over 45 million Acuvue users across 100+ countries.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the vision care market are scaling rapidly, driven by advancements in optometric technologies, an aging population, and increasing global awareness regarding eye health. In 2023, the total capital investment across the global vision care industry surpassed $8 billion, with the majority directed toward product innovation, geographic expansion, and digital infrastructure for tele-optometry.

A significant portion of investment is flowing into the development of personalized and AI-based diagnostics. More than 120 start-ups globally received venture capital funding in 2023 focused on remote eye testing devices and AI-assisted refraction tools. For example, portable autorefractors used for vision testing in underserved areas saw funding increase by 37% year-over-year.

Intraocular lens manufacturers have also expanded R&D operations. Multinational corporations have established innovation hubs in regions such as Singapore, San Diego, and Tokyo. These hubs are working on enhanced IOLs capable of adjusting focal power post-implantation. By 2024, over 400,000 patients are expected to undergo implantation of these adjustable lenses.

The retail side of the market is experiencing capital inflows to scale digital infrastructure. Online eyewear platforms raised over $1.1 billion globally in 2023 for inventory expansion, AI-powered virtual try-ons, and mobile app development. These tools enable accurate at-home fitting and personalized prescriptions, reducing the need for in-store visits. As a result, more than 35% of global eyewear transactions in 2023 occurred online.

Government-backed initiatives are also fueling investment, especially in public vision screening programs. India’s National Programme for Control of Blindness deployed over 4,000 mobile units in 2023, screening more than 9 million individuals. Similar initiatives in Brazil and Kenya are expanding access to basic vision services in low-income communities.

New Product Development

Product development in the vision care market is at an all-time high, with innovations focused on digital integration, customization, medical efficacy, and environmental sustainability. In 2023 alone, over 1,500 new SKUs were launched globally in the eyewear, lens, and contact solution categories.

One of the most revolutionary developments has been the advancement of smart contact lenses. Companies in Japan and South Korea launched biosensing lenses capable of detecting intraocular pressure fluctuations for glaucoma patients. These lenses can transmit data wirelessly to mobile apps, helping over 50,000 glaucoma patients monitor conditions in real time.

Another breakthrough has been in adjustable intraocular lenses (IOLs). Unlike traditional IOLs, which require surgical correction if prescriptions change, these new IOLs can be adjusted post-implantation using non-invasive UV light. More than 75,000 surgeries using these lenses were recorded in 2023, with high success rates reported in Germany, the U.S., and Japan.

In the prescription eyewear segment, blue-light blocking and anti-fatigue lenses dominated new launches. Over 70% of adults report using screens for more than 8 hours a day, prompting the release of over 300 new lens models with enhanced coatings to combat digital eye strain. These lenses also include photochromic technologies that adapt to ambient light, enhancing outdoor comfort.

Daily disposable contact lenses continued to evolve, with innovations in hydration retention and oxygen permeability. Silicone hydrogel materials with 98% moisture retention rates are becoming standard, helping over 25 million users reduce dry-eye discomfort during prolonged usage.

Vision supplements also witnessed new formulations in 2023. Products combining lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are now targeted for macular health. Over 40 new vision supplement SKUs entered North American and European markets last year, responding to growing demand from aging populations.

Five Recent Developments

EssilorLuxottica launched a new line of smart glasses integrated with fitness tracking and UV protection sensors in early 2024. Over 200,000 units were pre-booked within three months.
Johnson & Johnson Vision introduced ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day lenses in 2023, specifically targeting digital screen users. The lens was tested on over 5,000 participants, with 91% reporting reduced eye fatigue.
The Cooper Companies completed the acquisition of a specialty contact lens manufacturer in February 2024, adding 30+ new lens designs for myopia control and keratoconus treatment.
Bausch + Lomb released an enhanced multi-purpose solution in 2023 with anti-bacterial properties. Clinical trials with 1,200 participants showed 99.9% disinfection efficacy within 4 hours.
ZEISS unveiled their PhotoFusion X lenses in March 2024, with improved photochromic speed. The lenses darken and clear 60% faster than previous models, tested across 10 countries.

Report Coverage of Vision Care Market

This report offers a comprehensive and structured analysis of the global vision care market across product categories, regional landscapes, emerging trends, and investment avenues. The scope includes detailed market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that are shaping demand patterns in key geographies.

The study evaluates product segments including eyeglasses, contact lenses, intraocular lenses (IOLs), contact lens solutions, and vision care accessories. It also dissects applications across hospitals, optical stores, drugstores, and digital platforms. Each segment is analyzed with quantitative figures, providing clarity on market distribution and product penetration in 2023 and early 2024.

Geographical analysis covers four core regions—North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America remains the innovation hub for surgical procedures and smart lens development. Europe emphasizes sustainability and blue-light protection. Asia-Pacific is leading in terms of volume consumption, with high myopia rates and demand for corrective devices. The Middle East & Africa region shows rising potential due to expanding public health outreach programs.

The report identifies major companies such as EssilorLuxottica, Johnson & Johnson, The Cooper Companies, Bausch Health, ZEISS, and Novartis, detailing their product expansions, strategic acquisitions, and market positioning. Two companies—EssilorLuxottica and Johnson & Johnson—command significant global market presence, together accounting for a major share of prescription and contact lens sales.