Global Eyewear Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Key Takeaways

The common forms of eyewear include glasses (also called eyeglasses or contacts), sunglasses, contact lenses and utilitarian forms of eye protection, such as spectacles and goggles. Eyewear items are usually used to correct vision and shield the eyes from unnecessary glare, debris, or harmful radiation. The frames and lenses of these objects are mainly made of plastic and glass.

The increase in the number of visual deficiencies as well as the increasing awareness of eye exams are expected to stimulate the eyewear market growth. The increase in the number of ophthalmic disorders such as myopia, presbyopia, and hypermetropia among the ageing population is also a significant contributor to the market. A significant percentage of the population in developing countries, such as India, Brazil, and Mexico, suffer from visual disabilities that are usually undetected and not corrected. As a result, government and private organisations in these economies are undertaking eye-care awareness campaigns which is expected to boost the eyewear market sales.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising popularity of fashion-forward eyewear; burgeoning demand for transition and adaptive lenses; increase in the number of eye health awareness programmes; and use of advanced technologies like AR and VR to improve customer shopping experience are the major trends impacting the eyewear market

Eyewear Market Trends

One of the prominent trends in the eyewear market is the increasing popularity of photochromic lenses, which adapt to different lighting conditions by darkening in sunlight and becoming clear indoors. Photochromic lenses offer the convenience of not having to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses as they provide a seamless transition when moving between indoor and outdoor environments, making them highly versatile and suitable for various activities throughout the day. These lenses provide automatic protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays when exposed to sunlight. By darkening in response to UV light, they reduce the risk of eye damage and strain caused by exposure to harmful rays, contributing to long-term eye health.

Moreover, consumers are becoming environmentally conscious and are looking for products that have a lower environmental impact, driving eyewear manufacturers to use materials like wood, bamboo, and others.

Responding to the growing trend of online shopping, several retailers are focusing on expanding their online presence and improving digital capabilities by leveraging advanced technologies. In January 2024, Walmart expanded its digital services by implementing a virtual try-on option exclusively for eyewear. This feature enables customers to digitally explore and test a wide array of eyewear styles through an online interface. By leveraging this technology, customers can conveniently preview how different glasses look on them before making a purchase, simulating the experience of trying on glasses in a physical store and boosting the glasses market.

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Eyewear Market Segmentation

Spectacles maintain its dominance in the eyewear market due to growing vision impairment issues globally

Based on product, spectacles represent the most popular eyewear globally. The primary function of spectacles is to correct various vision impairments, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia and a considerable portion of the global population requires vision correction, which directly contributes to the high demand for spectacles. Beyond vision correction, spectacles are increasingly designed to protect the eyes from potential harm, such as UV rays, blue light from screens, and other environmental factors like dust and debris.

Contact lenses are also expected to occupy a significant eyewear market share as many people are gravitating towards contact lenses over spectacles for aesthetic reasons, as they do not alter one’s appearance. They also offer the freedom to participate in sports and outdoor activities without the inconvenience of wearing glasses. Contact lenses provide a wider field of view compared to spectacles and they move with the eye, allowing a natural field of vision with no frames to obstruct the view and reduce distortions and reflections that can occur with glasses.

Optical stores lead the eyewear market as they offer the provision of eye exams along with eyecare solutions

Optical stores provide professional eye care services, including eye exams conducted by optometrists or ophthalmologists. This one-stop-shop approach for both eye health check-ups and eyewear solutions is convenient for consumers and adds significant value. In optical stores, customers can receive personalised fitting services to ensure their eyewear fits comfortably and suits their visual needs. Staff can adjust frames for a custom fit, recommend lenses based on lifestyle and prescription, and provide immediate alterations or repairs. The increase in demand for premium and customised eyewear products is expected to drive the eyewear market growth over the forecast period.

Online stores are anticipated to experience considerable expansion for several reasons. Online stores offer the convenience of browsing and purchasing eyewear from anywhere, at any time and this ease of access appeals to consumers with busy lifestyles or those who prefer not to visit physical stores. Online stores generally offer products at competitive prices due to lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies enable consumers to virtually try on glasses or contact lenses, helping them make informed decisions without physically trying the products. Additionally, they frequently provide promotions, discounts, and price comparison tools, attracting price-sensitive consumers which further boosts the appeal of the online eyewear market.

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Competitive Landscape of Eyewear Market

The market players are increasing their marketing efforts to create brand awareness and are launching innovative eyewear series, combining current fashion trends and eco-friendly materials delivering improved performance

Companies in the eyewear market are increasingly engaging in collaborations to drive innovation and meet the evolving needs of consumers. These partnerships are instrumental in combining diverse strengths and expertise, leading to the creation of advanced and unique eyewear products. Collaborations often bring together companies with different specialties, such as technology firms and traditional eyewear manufacturers, and this integration of expertise leads to the development of innovative products.

Eyewear Market Analysis by Region

The Europe eyewear market accounts for a considerable share of the total market value. Europe has a significant population with vision correction needs due to factors like an ageing demographic, increasing screen time, and a high incidence of conditions such as myopia and presbyopia. European countries also have robust healthcare systems that emphasise regular eye examinations and eye health awareness, which leads to early detection of vision issues and a higher likelihood of individuals adopting corrective eyewear. Europe is also home to many of the world’s leading fashion capitals, such as Paris, Milan, and London. The region's strong sense of fashion drives the demand for designer eyewear as a fashion statement, not just a vision correction tool.

The Asia Pacific is also a significant region in the eyewear market and is expected to increase its market share. The Asia Pacific is the most populous region in the world, encompassing a diverse range of countries with large populations, which further adds to the demand for eyewear products. The region has witnessed rapid economic growth, resulting in an expanding middle class with increased disposable income, and this economic prosperity allows for a greater spending on healthcare and lifestyle products, including eyewear. Some countries in the Asia Pacific, like Japan, have a significant ageing population, and older demographics typically have a higher need for vision correction and eye care, thereby contributing to the overall market revenue.

Eyewear Market Report Snapshots

Eyewear Market Size

Eyewear Market Trends

Eyewear Companies

Eyewear Market Regional Analysis