Contact Lenses Modality US Market Breakdown: Key Trends and Insights
On the basis of replacement, contact lenses can be classified into two : disposable and reusable. Disposable lenses are contact lenses discarded after single use whereas reusables are which are used long-term, say for a month. Though in earlier days when lenses weren’t much common and people preferred reusables, the recent data shows the significant rise of disposable lenses followed by incessant use of technology and eye-strain.
People now prefer disposable ones over reusable ones and 37% of the US lens users rely on disposable lenses. This is because disposable lenses are hygiene-friendly and more convenient. Due to various causes, there is a 60% increase in the disposable lens users over the years. Some of these include the increased concern for hygiene post-covid 19 and the elimination of risk of infection. While there is a significant rise in disposable lenses sales, a moderate growth is seen in the sales of reusable lenses.
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Current Practice Trends
Like every product has market trends, Contact Lenses have their own fashion in the market.
When Contact Lenses were originally introduced with the aim to replace spectacles, today
they do have features additional to the basic characteristic of providing vision. Introduction
of customized lens was also a trendsetter contributing to a leap in the sales of Contact lens
in the US Market. In this case, patients with unique corneal shapes or high refractive errors
are delivered customized and advanced lenses. Initiation of wide range of choices in lens
also got trendy in the gone years. Scleral lenses were meant for preventing dry eyes. Then
came spherical lenses intended with the aim to correct myopia and hypermetropia. Toric
lenses were meant to correct astigmatism whereas multi-focal lenses are for correcting
presbyopia. Another trend that has sustained is the use of Silicon Hydrogel enhancing
oxygen permeability. This ensured a comfortable and convenient wear.
The Past and the Future
Earlier, contact lenses were rare and had only the basic feature of replacing
spectacles. They needed daily cleaning which is why the introduction of disposable
lenses stood relevant. Disposable lenses reduced the risk of infections. The
preference for disposable lenses witnessed a hike with the uprising of COVID-19 as
people became more concerned with hygiene. Also, the change of material used also
produced a significant positive result in the history of contact lenses modality . The
use of Polymethyl Methacrylate was substituted with Silicon Hydrogel (Si Hy) which
enhances oxygen permeability.
When it comes to future, the statistics reports say, by 2033, the US soft contact lenses
market will be valued at USD 8.8 Billion with 6.1% CAGR. There’s a high chance that
contact lense markets, like any other industry gets an expansion with technology
getting advanced. You need not be surprised if you find lenses with Augmented
Reality (AR) a decade later. Also, a few companies are already busy manufacturing
lenses that sensors health metrics such as oxygen saturation and glucose level.
How profitable is Contact Lenses Market in the US
There is a little bit of irony in the way in which one doubts if contact lenses market is
profitable enough in the US when it is one of the major contributors to the global contact
lenses market. It is estimated that by 2033, the soft contact lenses market will be valued at
USD 8.8 billion with 6.1% CAGR. With more people flowing into service sectors with screens
glued to their eyes, there’s an unhealthy contribution of unending myopic and presbyopic
conditions which is treated with contact lenses. And most of the people go for disposable
lenses preferring low maintenance and hygiene-friendly product. Now that the contact
lenses market aces in manufacturing smart lenses with sensors and customisations, the
demand for the same only elevates. Also, with online platforms like Lenskart, the consumers
preferring lenses has only grown. All these factors contribute to the profitability of Contact
Lenses Market in the US.
Contact Lenses Modality US Market Breakdown: Segment Analysis
Contact Lenses Modality US Market Breakdown refers to the different types of contact
lenses classified on the basis of various factors like product type, design , demographic
features etc. On the basis of product type, there are two kinds of lenses – reusable and
disposable. Disposable lenses are lenses meant for single use whereas reusable lenses are
ones that can be used for a month at the longest. The largest share of US soft contact lenses
attribute to reusable lenses though disposable lens has got a trending shift in the consumer
market. When it comes to design, Silicon Hydrogel materials are latest and recent in the
market since it intensify oxygen transmissibility. A breakdown is also possible on the basis
of demographic features. Consumer preferences may vary according to age differences.
Mostly young people would love to have some fashion sense while adults always prefer
ticking off their basic needs.
Segment Analysis: By Design
Contact lens breakdown takes place with a division on the basis of design, product type,
demographic features, etc. Recently, businesses shifted to make use of Silicon Hydrogel as
the lens material. This preference is because of the hydration gradient that permits high
oxygen flow. So, today there are numerous kinds of lens designs with SiHy as the base core.
The three main kinds of such lens designs found in the market today are spherical, toric and
multifocal lenses. Spherical lenses are the lenses people with myopia and hypermetropia
use. Toric lenses were introduced for correcting astigmatism, while multifocal lenses are for
correcting presbyopia. Most of the businesses today manufacture lenses with additional
features along with the basic Si Hy Core. For example, a micro-thin wetting layer is created
to increase hydration. Coopervision’s PRECISION1 is such an enterprise. Some even use UV
blocking filters or other blink activated moisture.
Segment Analysis: By Product Type
The major player in the contact lenses modality US market breakdown when it comes to
product type is soft contact lenses. They hold a major share in the market. Soft contact
lenses are lenses that are commonly used by people with Myopia (short sight) and
Hypermetropia (long sight). Disposable lenses dominate a major part of soft contact lenses.
Then there are Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses that are mostly long-term and hence they
require daily cleaning. Other product types include hybrid lenses and customised lenses.
Hybrid lenses are lenses that can be replaced every six months. Customised lenses called
scleral lenses also captivate people. Advancement in technology conferred a different types
of lenses in the market called Ortho-K (Ortho-Keratology) lenses. These are generally used
to correct irregular shape of the cornea. These lenses need not be used 24×7, but only
overnight and hence they stand competitive in the market.
Exploring the Contact Lenses Modality US Market Breakdown By Demographic Segments
Demographic segments like gender, age and income are a key factor in the market and has a
greater influence on the contact lens sales. When it comes to age, the key users are
classified into teens, adults and senior citizens. Teens have a completely different choice for
lenses. They prefer disposable cosmetic lenses. Most of the time it is social media trends
that influence their choices. But adult preferences are slightly different with their interest in
toric lenses to correct astigmatism. They also prefer Silicon Hydrogel materials signifying
their obsession for comfort. But older adults go for contact lenses for correcting presbyopia.
There prevails a breakdown on the basis of income segmentation. Consumers with high
income go for premium options like disposable lenses with wide technological alterations
whereas low income earners prefer reusable lenses mainly and some even extend the
duration of their disposable lenses which rises a risk for infection.
Market Share by Technology
Technology has never outdated us, in fact it has only brought advancements. The same goes
with Contact Lenses. The evolution in technology resulted in providing consumers with a
wide variety of choices and with time, lenses have shown up with numerous alterations. For
example, with the launching of Silicon Hydrogel material, consumers were promised longlasting comfort with high oxygen permeability. With the commencement of development in
3-D designs and geometry , manufacturing of scleral and toric lenses were made possible.
Incorporation of tech features like glucose monitoring and other health metrics has
contributed in elevatong the market share. Smart lenses with Augmented Reality (AR) are
also part of the market trend brought by technological advancement .Rigid Gas Permeables
and Hydrogels are obsolete now with the coming of rapid growth technologies like Ortho-K
and Scleral lenses. With various websites and apps providing virtual eye tests and try-ons,
consumer interests for disposable lenses has a thriving preferences in the market.
Market Share by End User
The end users of lenses are generally people with refractive errors like myopia and
hypermetropia. In the US, 46% of the market share credit goes to corrective lens users. And
this share will have a rapid growth in the coming years with increasing rate of refractive
errors. 10% of the market share is contributed by cosmetic lens users influenced by social
media influencers and fashion trends. Therapeutic contact lenses are lenses that are used
not just with the intention of correcting vision, but for treating few eye injuries. 10% of the
market share credit goes to them. Technology advancement also has an indirect
contribution to the contact lens market. With the rise in employment in IT sector, living
without reading glasses is impossible. Even people without refractive errors go for powerless
glasses with blue light lenses.
Like advancement in technology brought wide choices in the contact lenses market, they
also have an impact on smart glasses, an affiliate of the former. If not smart glasses, there
must not be an other sector that stands tall with contact lenses growing hand-in-hand in the
market. Know how smart glasses used in healthcare and have won the consumer interests in the past years.
Material Insights
The major material used in the manufacturing of contact lenses in the initial stage was
Hydrogel. Hydrogels act as natural tissue with the capacity to absorb and retain water in
large quantity. They maintain a gel consistency and are soft in nature which is why they are
always preferred in the entry level. Their self-elastic and permeable properties make them
stand out in the market. But with the advent of Silicon Hydrogels, preference for Hydrogels
has witnessed a gradual decline. Si Hy lenses are soft lenses with Hydrogel base but
manufactured with many more advanced features. The rate of oxygen transmissibility is
higher in Si Hy than in their baseline. This reduces eye infection. Producers also prefer Silicon
Hydrogel over Hydrogel for their moisture and UV blocking property. Consumers with dry
and white eyes often prefer Silicon Hydrogel signifying their demand.
Design Insights
Most of the manufacturers are born when they decide to start finding a solution to their
problems. And this is where new designs are given birth. In this era, it is always comfort that
stands tall in priority and with busy professionals with no time, disposable lenses with lowmaintenance are relevant. For moisture retention, designs like Hydraluxe and MoistureSeal
are used. With the rise in employment in IT Sector, prolonged device use is a concern and
people preferring lens with blue light filter is not uncommon. Consumers tend to be
conscious of health and end up choosing UV rays blocking lens and chooses materials that
are anti-inflammatory. There is an incline in production of toric and multi-focal designs after
people began personalizing lens rather than fitting into market choices. While this is the
condition with refractive lenses, cosmetic lens users prefer lenses that look normal at sight
but contents their fashion sense.
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Application Insights
It is general knowledge that contact lenses are applied when there is a defect in vision.
However, it is not the only case where one uses lenses. The primary purpose of lenses are
to correct refractive errors like presbyopia and myopia. But they are also used with specially
designed toric and multifocal lenses to correct astigmatism. While many people make use
of lenses for long term, there are also temporary consumption like therapeutic and cosmetic
purposes. They are used after surgeries for healing cornea and other allergies. In case of
cosmetic lenses, they are used for enhancing beauty and depends on the influence of social
media trends. The advent of smart contact lenses marked a great relevance in the market
with their sensors that monitor health conditions like glaucoma. Lenses are also applied in
army regiments with thermal features that would enable soldiers the night vision to look out
for enemies in the dark.
Distribution Channels Insight
Contact lenses can reach a consumer via numerous paths. Distribution channels are a
major matter of concern. This is because the product needs to be available for the consumer
at the right time. The primary channel of distribution for contact lenses are optical stores
and clinics. The traditional channel sells consumers the product directly. Consumers mostly
prefer this because of the tangible aspect it offers. Platforms like Hubble and Warby Parker
are direct-to-consumers channels that are low-cost services that provide online eye tests
and try-ons. Then there are also pharmacies and drug stores that deliver cosmetic lenses
even without a prescription. Lenses are also sold in eye hospitals with incentives like
insurance. Since lenses are meant for long – term, consumers tend to depend on a
consecutive service of monthly deliveries which is why most of them prefer subscription in
platforms like Sightbox and Hubble.
Usage Insights
It is important to know how and when consumers use lenses. This will help businesses to
flourish. Enterprises must know what kind of lenses are popular, who are the most active
users and once a consumer stops showing interest in a particular lenses, businesses must
be concerned of the reason so that in the further production they can incorporate designs
that actually gets sold in the market . The number of hours a consumer uses lenses is a key
point. Most of the users wear lenses for 12 hours a day while some go beyond the hours,
which is unhealthy. But consumers with a concern for health and hygiene, prefer disposable
lenses which are for single use. The few cons of lens are people have a hard time cleaning
them. This is where the need for low-maintenance glasses is born. In case of purchase, post
Covid-19, there’s an inclined shift in people preferring online shopping.
Regional Insights
A study on regional basis will assist producers in knowing their consumers. Globally, the US
is one of the largest contact lenses market with 45 million users. According to statistics,
urban areas of the US like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles have users preferring
speciality lenses like toric and multi-focal lenses. Most of the fashion lens users also belong
to the urban areas while in suburban or rural areas, consumers are concerned of pricing and
choose bi-weekly and monthly lenses. Therefore, in the gone years, the rate of production
and sales of disposable, toric and multifocal lenses has seen a significant rise. Post Covid19, people have been concerned of eye health with increased use of electronic gadgets..
While consumers belonging to California prefer online purchases and blue- light filtered
lens, Texas and Florida natives find cosmetic lenses more useful.
Disposable vs reusable contact lenses US Market
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Contact lenses breakdown takes place on the basis of its duration of usage. They are mainly
disposable and reusable lenses. Disposable lenses are meant for single use. Reusable
lenses are that can be used multiple times. There are weekly, biweekly and monthly lenses.
Since disposable lenses are dailies, they are hygienic and need only low-maintenance
whereas reusables need proper care and cleaning. Because of this, many consumers shifted
to dailies considering their busy life. Despite its expensive cost, people with allergies prefer
disposable lenses because of the need for regular maintenance in case of reusable lenses
and they reduce risk of infections. Disposable lenses are travel-friendly without having the
need to store them since they are single used. In general, disposable lenses are more
convenient in every angle and hence it explains why they represent 60% of the contact lenses
in the US Market.
US Contact Lenses Market: Risk Analysis
Risk analysis includes identifying and managing the possible risks that could take place. If
not considered at the right time, businesses might miss an opportunity to flourish in the
market. Not only identifying risks, but planning precautions and solutions to mitigate those
risks also comes under the anRiskalysis. Since contact lenses are body accessories that
need to be taken good care of, it is essential to have them in a completely hygienic state.
Overusing lenses beyond their validity and improper cleaning routine will lead to serious eye
conditions. Lenses are not supposed to be exposed to contaminated water. Inadequate
methods of cleaning will result in fungal growth of candida and other species. Like health
risks, economic risks are also there. Toric and multi-focal lenses are expensive and in most
cases, insurance coverage is limited. Also, alternative vision corrections like eyeglasses and
LASIK surgeries are a threat to the market.
Key Industry Players
The key Industry Players in the contact lenses market in the US are Johnson and Johnson
Vision, Alcon, Cooper companies, Bausch and Lomb. These companies often upgrade
multi-use lenses and hold the majority of the market share. Major reusable lenses include
ACUVUE OASYS which is J&J’s 2 week silicone hydrogel with HydraClear/Hydraluxe wetting
technology, AIR OPTIX AQUA of Alcon’s monthly SiHy with HydraGlyde moisture layer,
BAUSCH and LOMB ULTRA a 2 week SiHy with Moisture Seal polymer and Biofinity from
CooperVision a monthly SiHy with Aquaform polymer. Johnson and Johnson is one of the
prominent companies in the world. Acuvue belongs to J&J. Coopervision focus on lenses for
astigmatism and they also customise according to consumer preferences. Bausch and
Lomb promotes brands like SofLens, Biotrue and ULTRA. The major disposable products
launched by Johnson and Johnson are 1Day Acuvue Moist and 1Day Acuvue Trueye whereas
Alcon’s flagship product Dailies Aquacomfort plus.
Key Industry Development
There’s a remarkable incline in the production of disposable lenses adhering to the growing
demand for lenses that assures low maintenance and comfort. It is because it is more
convenient and doesn’t need a cleaning routine. Launching of therapeutic lenses for eye
conditions like glaucoma took eye care to a different level. This step was initiated by Johnson
and Johnson, who launched the first FDA -approved drug-releasing contact lense. The
introduction of Smart and Augmented Reality (AR) glasses was also a key development in
the market. The health monitoring sensor feature of smart glasses will help in keeping track
of metrics such as oxygen saturation and glucose level. There are also features like micro–
LED displays and eye-tracking aspects that keeps them keen in the market. There is also a
rise in the manufacturing of multifocal and toric lenses. Another relevant development is the
use of cosmetic lenses.
US Contact Lenses Market: SWOT Analysis
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It is necessary to identify and evaluate a firm’s strengths and weaknesses to grow further.
Hence companies use a strategy called SWOT Analysis, where strength weakness,
opportunity and threat of a firm is noted down. Product innovation is a key highlight of
contact lens market. Brands like Johnson and Johnson and Alcon have played a vital role in
strengthening the market with products of varied features. Now when it comes to
weaknesses, lower middle class people might not be able to afford it. Compared to glasses,
lenses are little bit complicated to use. The market in the recent years has brought new
opportunities to online shoppers. Also, companies now are given opportunities to customize
lenses according to consumer preferences. The opportunities for lenses have increased with
rise in production of eco-friendly lenses. One of the major threat lens market faces is the
existence of alternative choices of LASIK and glasses.
What does this report deliver and key benefits for stakeholders
This report is drafted with the intention of providing accurate and up-to-date data and
business insights that will shape decision making in the future. This report states a gradual
incline in the demand for reusable lenses along with a rapid shift in the demand for
disposable lenses. The advanced tech features like augmented reality and health sensoring
let the contact lenses stand out in the market. Consumers have also started preferring
comfort and convenience. Their preference for subscription based products is notable. The
expected CAGR of soft contact lense sales in 2033 is 8.8 Billion USD. This report will help
financial analysts, optometrists, businesses and other advertising teams to make smarter
decisions. It will offer them insights on market share and consumer behaviour. The report
can also guide businesses in investing in new opportunities. The risks of existence of
alternatives are also evaluated and mitigated in the long run.
References
American Optometric Association Contact lens trends and patient care guidelines.
Contact Lens Institute Industry insights and consumer research.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Annual report and investor presentation.
CooperVision Innovation in myopia control and lens technology.
Research Methodology
This report delivers qualitiative insights and thoughts with quantitative data analytics that
will help businesses grow better. The key sources used in the report was secondary data,
relying on databases like Allied Market Research and Grand View Research along with using
a few statistical data offered by brands like Johnson and Johnson, Alcon, Bausch and Lomb
etc. Quantitative data was merged with qualitative insights to bring accuracy in the data
delivered. Using the secondary research, insights on market share, consumer behaviour
and forecasts were produced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the predominant contact lens modalities prescribed in the U.S.?
According to the 2024 Contact Lens Spectrum report, the distribution is as follows:
– Daily Disposable Lenses: Approximately 48%–56%
– Monthly Disposable Lenses: Around 30%–32%
– Bi-weekly Disposable Lenses: Approximately 13%–20%
Why is there a shift towards daily disposable lenses?
Daily disposables are gaining popularity due to:
– Enhanced Ocular Health: Reduced risk of infections and complications
– Convenience: Elimination of cleaning routines
– Patient Compliance: Simplified wear schedule increases adherence
These factors contribute to improved patient satisfaction and loyalty.
How do material preferences influence modality choices?
Material selection impacts comfort and eye health:
– Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: Preferred for their high oxygen permeability, accounting for 64% of fits
– Hydrogel Lenses: Used in 15% of fits, suitable for patients with specific needs
– Rigid Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses: Comprise 13% of fits, often for specialized corrections
What are the business implications of these trends?
Understanding modality trends can:
– Inform Inventory Decisions: Stocking popular modalities meets patient demand
– Enhance Patient Education: Discussing benefits of daily disposables can increase uptake
– Drive Revenue: Offering a range of modalities caters to diverse patient preferences
Adapting to these trends positions practices for growth and patient retention.
How can practices effectively promote daily disposables?
Strategies include:
– Patient-Centric Communication: Highlighting health benefits and convenience
– Trial Programs: Allowing patients to experience daily disposables firsthand
– Staff Training: Ensuring the team is knowledgeable about product offerings
These approaches can facilitate transitions to daily disposables where appropriate.
Are there environmental considerations with daily disposables?
Yes, daily disposables generate more waste. Practices can address this by:
– Recycling Programs: Partnering with initiatives to recycle used lenses and packaging
– Educating Patients: Discussing proper disposal methods
Balancing patient needs with environmental responsibility is essential.
What is the outlook for contact lens modalities in the coming years?
The market is expected to continue favoring daily disposables due to their benefits. However, monthly and bi-weekly lenses will remain relevant for certain patient groups. Staying informed on emerging technologies and materials will be key for practices to meet evolving patient needs.