Contact Lenses Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rising rates of myopia and presbyopia: Myopia and presbyopia are increasing rapidly among the elderly population. Vision correction is starting earlier in life, creating a demand for contact lenses. Countries such as Canada and Germany have witnessed several vision-related disorders over the past few years. Further, the NLM report released in June 2025 has stated that nearly 80% of individuals experience presbyopia with age above 40. Moreover, by 2050, 20% of the world population is expected to get old and demand contact lenses.
• Increasing e-commerce and online optical retail: The rise of digital retail platforms is boosting the distribution channel segment, mainly post-COVID. The U.S. government has relaxed teleoptometry laws, allowing prescriptions via online. Online retailers provide an attractive and transparent discount, hence increasing the compliance and affordability. As per the Vision Council report released in April 2025, the online sales of contact lenses have increased to 39% in Q1 2025, which was 35% in Q4 2024. This shift helps to boost the adoption rate among young consumers who prioritize access and convenience.
• Vision care programs and aging populations: The elderly population with an age above 60 is rising actively and helping to boost the bifocal, toric, and multifocal lenses. Governments are funding vision-related programs for seniors to reduce and prevent injuries and healthcare costs. In North America and the EU, age-related presbyopia programs are provided, including subsidies for lenses offering enhanced vision. this transformation is leading to a stable, recurring market for contact lenses among the elderly population.

Cost Analysis of Specialty, Corneal, and Scleral Contact Lenses (2025)

Source: NLM

Eligibility Criteria for Smart Contact Lenses

Source: Clinical Trials, May 2025

Challenges

• Pricing restraints and gaps in reimbursement coverage: Manufacturers face challenges with the reimbursement mainly in public healthcare systems. Government payers limit the coverage for contact lenses and consider them as elective rather than essential. Hence, this minimizes the insurance reimbursement and limits public procurement. Further, the suppliers have improved the access by providing a cost-effective product based on the pricing model, and resulting in expanded insurance inclusion. Regulatory approval delays further complicate the entry to market in some countries with standard medical device classification standards.