U.S. Reading Glasses Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Age Group (Less than 18 Years, 18-64 Years, and 65 Years and Older), By Corrective Strength (+0.25 to +2, +2.25 to +3, and Greater than +3), By Type (Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC)), and Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. reading glasses market size was valued at USD 14.91 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 15.56 billion in 2023 to USD 22.56 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and excessive screen time due to the usage of electronics, such as computers or smartphones, are resulting in an increased number of patients suffering from presbyopia, astigmatism, and others. For instance, according to an article published by Healio in 2022, more than 120 million people in the U.S. were suffering from presbyopia.

Thus, the increasing number of patients suffering from eye ailments is expected to fuel the demand for reading glasses in the U.S. during the study period. In addition, growing geriatric population and increasing focus of major market players on introducing advanced reading glasses to cater to the supply-demand gap are some of the other major factors fostering the adoption of these glasses. Therefore, this factor is expected to lead the U.S. reading glasses market growth during the forecast period.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Low Accessibility to Optometric Services amid COVID-19 Negatively Impacted Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the market. Major players operating in the market experienced a huge decline in their revenue.

• SAFILO GROUP S.P.A. generated a revenue of USD 928.9 million in 2020, a decrease of 16.9% as compared to USD 1,117.9 million in 2019.


• ZEISS International generated a revenue of USD 1,308.3 million from its consumer segment in 2020, a decrease of 9.2% as compared to USD 1,441.7 million in 2019.

This significant decline in revenue was mainly attributed to the difficulty in accessing optometric services during the pandemic. According to the data published by Bryn Mawr Communications, LLC, in 2021, around 23% of the U.S. population missed their appointment for eye tests due to the pandemic.

This resulted in lower demand for routine optical check-ups, leading to a subsequent decline in the adoption rate of reading glasses among the U.S. population. In addition, supply chain disruptions and sudden closure of manufacturing facilities affected the demand for these glasses. According to an article published by PentaVision, Inc., in March 2022, supply chain disruptions, workers’ shortage, and decreased production impacted the sales of eyewear significantly during the pandemic.

However, resuming optometry services and the easing of strict restrictions during 2020-2021 period fueled the adoption of these glasses and resulted in a steady market growth. Additionally, key market players experienced a stellar growth in revenue during 2021.

• SAFILO GROUP S.P.A. generated a revenue of USD 1,154.3 million in 2021, which was an increase of 24.3% as compared to the previous year.


• ZEISS International generated a revenue of USD 1,659.5 million from the consumer segment during 2021, an increase of 26.8% as compared to the revenue of 2020.

LATEST TRENDS

Rising Shift of Patients toward Online Channels to Purchase Product

There has been a major preference for online purchase channels in recent years. Certain key factors, such as the increasing presence of online vendors and huge price difference compared to retail outlets has led the U.S. population to opt for online channels. According to data published by the Vision Council in 2021, around 12.9% of prescription eyeglass purchases were made online in the U.S.

Along with that, the availability of a large variety of these glasses and access to virtual tools for real-time experience are shifting customer focus toward online channels.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Prevalence of Presbyopia and Astigmatism to Surge Product Demand 

The prevalence of eye disorders, including presbyopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia, among others is rising at an alarming rate in the country. This is increasing the demand for various treatment options for these disorders. According to statistics published by NVISION Eye Centers in February 2022, one in every three people in the U.S. had astigmatism. Also, around 14.2 million people above the age of 40 in the U.S. were suffering from farsightedness.

The prevalence of these eye disorders is further augmented by increased screen time among the U.S. population in recent years. This is affecting the eyesight of the country’s adults and children. As per the data published by Exploding Topics, in 2023, the average screen time in the U.S. is around 7 hours and 4 minutes, which is 7 minutes more than the global average screen time.

Thus, increased screen time per day, rising incidence of eye disorders, and introduction of advanced eyeglasses by major market players are fostering the demand for and adoption of these glasses among the U.S. population. This factor is predicted to drive the market growth significantly during the analysis period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Availability of Alternative Treatment Options for Vision Correction to Limit Product Adoption

Increasing availability of alternatives, such as contact lenses and LASIK surgery, is limiting the adoption of these glasses. Several advantages associated with these alternatives, such as increased aesthetics, elimination of discomfort, and permanent cure from eye ailments, are shifting customers’ focus toward these alternative options. According to data published by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2021, there were approximately 45 million contact lens users in the U.S., which was an increase of around 9.8% as compared to 2018.

Additionally, certain errors while choosing the correct strength for OTC glasses can limit their adoption. According to an article published in Verywell Health in June 2022, it is illegal to sell OTC glasses over the strength +2.75D in certain states, such as New York.

The above factors, coupled with the presence of other treatment options, such as the recent FDA-approved Vuity eye drops used to treat presbyopia, can reduce the adoption rate of these glasses in the U.S.

SEGMENTATION

By Age Group Analysis

Individuals Aged 18-64 Years to Dominate Market Due to Rising Prevalence of Eye Disorders

On the basis of age group, the market is segmented into less than 18 years, 18-64 years, and 65 years and older.

The 18-64 years segment held a dominant U.S. reading glasses market share in 2022. One of the significant factors contributing to the dominance of this segment is the high prevalence of eye disorders among this age group. According to several research articles and interviews with key industry leaders, a significant proportion of the U.S. population in the age group of 41-60 years was suffering from presbyopia in 2021.

The less than 18 years segment is anticipated to record a significant CAGR during the study period. Increased screen time among this age group is one of the key factors for the increasing demand for reading glasses among this age group.

By Corrective Strength Analysis

Increasing Adult Population to Boost Demand for Glasses with Corrective Strength of +0.25 to +2

Based on corrective strength, the market is segmented into +0.25 to +2, +2.25 to +3, and greater than +3.

Among them, the +0.25 to +2 segment held a major share in the market in 2022. The increasing percentage of people falling in the age group of 4-59 years is raising the demand for these glasses with a corrective strength of +0.25 to +2, which may boost the growth of this segment during the study period. As per data published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, in 2022, around 104.84 million people in the U.S. were aged between 25 and 54 years of age.

The +2.25 to +3 segment is anticipated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment’s growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption rate of these types of glasses among people belonging to the age group of 60 and above.

By Type Analysis

Advantages Offered by Prescription Glasses to Boost its Dominance in Market

Based on type, the market is categorized into prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC).

The prescription segment held a significant market share in 2022. Increasing preference for prescription glasses due to the accurate and customized corrective strength that suit the consumer's need is one of the primary reasons behind the highest adoption of these glasses among consumers.

According to data published by the Vision Council in 2021, 63.7% adults wore prescription eyeglasses, which is around 166.5 million people in the U.S.

The Over-the-Counter (OTC) segment is expected to register a significant CAGR due to the availability of a wide range of OTC glass options at a lower cost as compared to prescription glasses.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Innovative Product Launches and Expansion of Distribution Channel to Remain Dominant

The competitive landscape of the market consists of dominant as well as emerging manufacturing companies. This is expected to create a vast portfolio of these glasses to fulfill the unmet need of the U.S. population suffering from eye disorders. These include presbyopia, astigmatism, and others.

EssilorLuxottica held a dominant market share in 2022 by focusing on inorganic growth strategies, such as partnerships with other players to widen their distribution network. Such collaborations are projected to contribute to the market growth during the forecast period.

Other players including HOYA Corporation and ZEISS International are focusing on the launch of advanced reading glasses to strengthen their brand presence in the U.S.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• EssilorLuxottica (France)


• ZEISS International (Germany)


• SAFILO GROUP S.P.A. (Italy)


• HOYA Corporation (Japan)


• Hilco Vision (U.S.)


• ThinOptics, Inc. (U.S.)


• ZENNI OPTICAL, INC. (U.S.)


• GUNNAR Optiks (U.S.)


• Pixel Eyewear (U.S.)


• Swanwick (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2022 - ZEISS International launched a new design named ‘Freeform Lens’, offering high optical quality. The solution provided clear vision, which is thin and flat in structure and comes at a low cost. The launch helped in enhancing the product portfolio of the company.


• December 2021 - EssilorLuxottica acquired GrandVision, a global optical retailer with over 7,200 locations across the world. The deal expanded EssilorLuxottica’s business and customer base globally.


• June 2021 – EssilorLuxottica announced the renewal of an exclusive license agreement with COACH Eyewear for the design, production, and global distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses. The move aimed to build loyalty and strengthen the company’s connections with COACH’s clients across the world.


• June 2021 - ZEISS International acquired the production site (optical laboratory) from U.S. Vision, which will serve as the production site for the company’s future expansion plans. The deal helped in increasing the manufacturing capacity of ZEISS’s vision care products.


• February 2021 - EssilorLuxottica and Cooper Companies Inc. inked a deal to create a joint venture for the takeover of SightGlass Vision Inc. The deal was aimed at accelerating the commercialization of spectacle lenses offered by SightGlass Vision.

REPORT COVERAGE

The U.S. reading glasses market research report provides a granular overview of the market by performing corporate analysis and offering accurate data. It focuses on key aspects such as growth rates, leading market players, market dynamics, SWOT analysis, and adoption rate. Besides this, it offers insights into the latest market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report provides an analysis of several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation