Prescription Lens Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Single Vision, Progressive, Workspace Progressives), By Application, By Coating, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global prescription lens market size was valued at USD 45.3 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2022 to 2030. Vision impairment cases due to refractive errors are on the rise. Most of these cases are unnoticed at earlier stages and add to the rising number of uncorrected refractive errors (URE). Patients with refractive errors are unaware of the condition and are not receiving any treatment. Hence, to control the increase in URE, various organizations are being developed focusing on the detection and treatment of refractive errors.

Sightsavers, an organization that works in more than 30 countries, focuses mainly on African and Asian regions. The organization forms an alliance with local, regional, national, and international partners, and governments to provide advanced and affordable ophthalmic treatment. The organization has come up with a refractive error strategy to address the problem of URE. The organization is providing refractive error services in line with its twin-track approach. In addition, the organization is expanding its program partnerships and is forming collaborations to enhance the services for URE. The presence of such organizations and growing awareness regarding the treatment of refractive errors are expected to drive the market.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely disrupted the eyewear industry on a global scale. With the ongoing COVID-19, the absence of skilled laborers such as engineers and floor managers is creating a void in process control and production workflows, which may lead to quality issues while manufacturing contact lenses, prescription lenses, and glasses frames. In addition, the eye supply chain was immensely affected in several countries including China, Germany, India, and the U.S.

The growing prevalence of refractive error cases, mainly myopia and astigmatism, is expected to drive the demand for prescription lenses. Prescription lenses help in resolving the inability of the eyes to project the light on the retina for enhanced vision. These lenses are available in different shapes and coatings and are preferred as per the refractive order. Convex prescription lenses are used for correcting hyperopia, concave prescription lenses are used for correcting myopia, and cylindrical prescription lenses are used for astigmatism.

Additionally, various eye problems occur in people working for hours in front of computers. Therefore, companies are coming up with advanced technology to enhance the prescription lens, which can protect the person from harmful radiations of the computer. GUNNAR Optiks provide prescription lenses designed specifically for computer use. These lenses are developed using blue light blocking technology along with other lens technologies. The development of such technologically advanced prescription lenses will contribute to the overall market growth.

Along with the incorporation of advanced technologies and the development of enhanced prescription lenses, the presence of online platforms for vision testing is expected to boost market growth. Online vision testing is one of the effective steps taken by the company to make vision care accessible and convenient. These online tests are expected to help in the rapid diagnosis of refractive errors and hence will propel the adoption of prescription lenses for its treatment.

Type Insights

Single vision prescription lenses led the market and accounted for over 25.0% share of the global revenue in 2021. Market players focus on developing single-vision prescription lenses for correcting refractive errors. People aged above 40 years mainly prefer single vision prescription lenses over bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses.

Single vision prescription lenses are preferred as an effective option for reading and computer work as they help in maintaining the posture during work, thus avoiding the chance of developing computer vision syndrome. Additionally, single vision lenses help in enhancing peripheral vision, which can be a problem with bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses. However, the development of advanced and efficient progressive lenses with a wider field of view and better clarity can impact the segment growth during the forecast period.

Progressive lenses are expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Progressive lenses are also termed no-line bifocal lenses due to the absence of a visible bifocal line. Its youthful appearance and effective functionality make it one of the most preferred prescription lenses. Additionally, people with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and/or presbyopia opt for progressive lenses. Furthermore, progressive lenses provide enhanced image quality as it eliminates the image jump observed with bifocals and trifocals lenses.

Workspace progressive lenses are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The working population is growing tremendously, and its long exposure to various devices such as computers, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices may strain the eyes and hence may lead to some sort of vision problems. Thus, to avoid such vision problems and make work more efficient and comfortable, market players have come up with workspace progressives. These workspace progressives offer a large field of vision from near to an intermediate distance. ZEISS provides four versions of workspace progressive or office progressive lenses, which are near office lens, room office lens, NEW - book office lens, and the individual office lens. Therefore, awareness regarding the usage of office progressive lenses to avoid refractive errors is expected to drive the adoption of these lenses.

Application Insights

Myopia held the largest revenue share of over 30.0% in 2021 and is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. The global prevalence of myopia is high and it is expected to grow during the forecast period. As per a WHO study, the prevalence of myopia in 2020 was 33% globally, which is expected to grow to 52% by 2050. The highest prevalence of the disease is observed in East Asia under which China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore held around 50% of the regional share. Institutes are being developed to control the rise of myopia by increasing awareness regarding its preventive measures.

The rising prevalence of myopia is projected to fuel market growth over the forecast period. For instance, according to the Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science journal, around 1.9 billion people were suffering from myopia and about 70 million had severe myopia in 2019 across the globe. Hence, rising cases of myopia are expected to surge the demand for prescription lenses.

Presbyopia is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Presbyopia develops with an increase in age and blurs the vision. The growing aging population is one of the major factors fueling the growth of this segment. Companies such as Essilor and ZEISS are developing advanced prescription lenses for treating presbyopia. Essilor has come up with VARILUX progressive lens by incorporating various advanced features and technologies such as SynchronEyes, Wavefront Advanced Vision Enhancement, 4D Technology, and Nanoptix for treating refractive errors such as presbyopia.

Hyperopia is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. Hyperopia is mainly prevalent among young children. As per an article published by EyeWiki, in 2015, around 14 million people in the U.S. suffered from hyperopia. Early detection and treatment of hyperopia are important as moderate and high degrees of this disorder may lead to other visual impairment disorders. Hence, market players are developing prescription lenses for treating hyperopia. Convex lenses are among the most preferred solutions for restoring vision problems. Furthermore, convex lenses with anti-reflective coating are among the best set of prescription lenses to be used by a person having hyperopia.

Coating Insights

Anti-reflective (AR) coating held the largest revenue share of over 30.0% in 2021 owing to the growing demand for anti-reflective prescription lenses. Anti-reflective coating lenses are mainly preferred due to various advantages associated with them such as protection from harmful rays from electronic display screens. AR coating helps in eliminating the reflections, reduces contrast, and enhances clarity. Thus, AR coating lenses are largely preferred during nighttime. In addition, these lenses are nearly invisible, which helps in avoiding any distractions through lenses. ZEISS has come up with DuraVision Premium lens coatings, which incorporate ion technology and many advanced features, which makes the lens surface tougher and resistant to damage and light reflections.

The Ultraviolet (UV) treatment lens is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Exposure to UV radiation has led to various eye disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Therefore, people prefer UV-coated lenses to avoid visual impairment disorders. Polycarbonate and the high-index plastics used for making these UV treatment lenses absorb the radiation and protect the eye from harmful radiations. Some UV lenses come along with photochromic treatment. This darkens the lenses when exposed to UV radiations and high-energy visible (HEV) light rays and becomes clearer when indoors. Market players are focusing on developing UV protection prescription lenses for enhanced vision. Essilor’s Crizal range of products comes with UV protection coating to enhance single vision and progressive lens. The company has developed Eye-Sun Protection Factor (E-SPF) for certifying UV protection to the eye and skin surrounding it.

Scratch-resistant coating is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period owing to the growing demand for clear and scratch-free lenses. The materials or plastic used for making advanced prescription lenses are prone to scratches. Hence, these lenses require coatings, which can protect these lenses from scratches. Scratch-resistant coated prescription glasses provide clearer vision for a long duration and thus have a prolonged lifespan. People with an active lifestyle such as sports or are engaged in various outdoor activities largely prefer prescription lenses with this coating.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of over 25.0% in 2021 and is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Countries such as China, Japan, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea account for a 50% share of myopia prevalence worldwide. The growing prevalence of refractive errors in the region is increasing the number of patients, and hence is creating demand for prescription lenses for its treatment. Market players located in the region are undergoing strategic alliances to expand their prescription lens business. In October 2021, Hoya announced a partnership with Orbis International, which is a global organization that provides mentorship and training and inspires local eye care professionals to save sight in their communities.

North America held the second-largest revenue share in 2021 owing to the increasing prevalence of myopia and presbyopia in countries such as the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, major market players are present in the region and are launching prescription lenses with advanced features. In October 2018, Privé Revaux launched prescription lenses at an affordable cost. The company has also expanded its reach to the patient pool by providing online vision tests through its partnership with Opternative, a technology company. The adoption of advanced technology and products is high in the region, thus contributing to the overall market growth.

Europe is expected to grow at a considerable rate during the forecast period. The presence of organizations and societies for preventing visual impairment is expected to drive the market in Europe. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) along with the WHO has initiated a joint program- VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, for eliminating blindness by focusing on the diseases, which mainly cause vision impairment such as refractive errors. Therefore, growing awareness in the region and the adoption of treatment options such as prescription lenses for refractive errors are expected to propel the market growth in Europe.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Major players are focusing on developing different types of prescription lenses with different coating options. These players are also forming alliances and partnerships to expand their product reach and improve their product offerings. In July 2021, Essilor launched a progressive web app version of the pre-existing Essilor Companion for all eye care professionals. This initiative aims to streamline the digital ecosystem for Essilor’s industry partners, including Eye Care Professionals (ECPs), and offers a superior in-store digital Essilor brand experience. Some prominent players in the global prescription lens market include:

• Essilor

• ZEISS International

• HOYA VISION CARE COMPANY

• VISION EASE

• SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

• PRIVÉ REVAUX

• Vision Rx Lab

Prescription Lens Market Report Scope

Global Prescription Lens Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global prescription lens market report based on type, application, coating, and region: 

• Type Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Single Vision

    • Convex

    • Concave

    • Cylindrical

  • Bifocal

  • Trifocal

  • Progressive

  • Workspace Progressives

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Myopia

  • Hyperopia/Hypermetropia

  • Astigmatism

  • Presbyopia

• Coating Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Anti-reflective

  • Scratch Resistant Coating

  • Anti-fog Coating

  • Ultraviolet Treatment

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

    • Colombia

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE