Soft Contact Lenses Market - By Material, By Design, By Usage, By Application, By Distribution Channel, Global Forecast, 2025 to 2034

Soft Contact Lenses Market Size

The global soft contact lenses market was valued at USD 9 billion in 2023. The market is expected to reach from USD 9.7 billion in 2024 to USD 22.4 billion in 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. The high market growth can be attributed to the growing spending on ophthalmic products, increasing demand of users for comfort and aesthetic look, rising demand for cosmetic and colored lenses among other contributing factors.
 

Moreover, the growing prevalence of vision disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia is increasing the demand for soft contact lenses as an alternative to eyeglasses.  For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, approximately 2.2 billion people globally have vision impairment, with myopia affecting about 30% of the world population. The National Eye Institute reported that myopia cases in the U.S. increased by 25% between 2021 and 2023, primarily due to increased exposure to digital screens. In 2024, the American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 50% of young adults aged 18-30 require vision correction, a 15% increase from 2021 levels.
 

Additionally, the convenience and comfort provided by contact lenses is boosting market expansion. Unlike glasses, contact lenses offer a more natural field of vision since they move with the eye and do not impede it like frames do. They provide more comfort and freedom when participating in sports or outdoor activities, making them particularly useful for active lifestyles.
 

Soft contact lenses are thin, flexible, curved lenses made from hydrogel or silicon that fit on the cornea of the eye. These are designed to correct vision problems such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia. These lenses allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, making them more comfortable to wear for longer time.
 

Soft Contact Lenses Market Trends

The market is witnessing significant growth driven by continuous innovations in lenses, increasing demand from users for comfort and aesthetic looks, and rising prevalence of visual impairments. These factors are boosting the industry growth.
 

• There is an increasing demand for daily disposable soft contact lenses due to the growing concern for convenience, hygiene, and lower infection risk among consumers. In 2023, the FDA reported that wearing daily disposable lenses lowered the chances of developing microbial keratitis infection by 12.5% when compared to monthly lenses. Furthermore, a 2022 report from CDC states that 45% of contact lens users in the age range of 18 to 34 years preferred daily disposables, a significant increase from 32% in 2021.
   
• The invention of new wearable medical devices is also responsible for the development of advanced smart contact lenses with augmented reality features, diabetes glucose level monitoring, and adjustable vision correction abilities. Substantial investment goes into creating these next generations of lenses.
   
• In addition, a shift in fashion styles and social media trends is also driving up the demand for colored and cosmetic soft contact lenses. Their use is rapidly growing in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions as consumers are increasingly looking for aesthetic solutions to vision correction, which boosts the demand in these regions.
   

Soft Contact Lenses Market Analysis

Based on material, the market is classified into silicone hydrogel and hydrogel. The silicone hydrogel segment dominated the market in 2024 and was valued at USD 5.8 billion growing from USD 4.7 billion in 2021.
 

• Silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to flow to the cornea than other types of contact lenses. Because of this, there is a lower risk of developing eye-related problems due to lack of oxygen, making them ideal for patients who need extended wear and want healthier eyes.
   
• Silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to flow to the cornea than other types of contact lenses. Because of this, there is a lower chance of developing eye-related problems due to lack of oxygen, making them perfect for patients who need extended wear and want healthier eyes.
   
• The increasing use of digital devices is linked to eye strain and dryness. A study by The Vision Council in 2023 found that nearly 79% of Americans spend over 2 hours a day on screens, with the average being 7 hours. Additionally, a report by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics in 2022 showed that almost half of office workers, 45%, suffer from some type of digital eye strain.
   
• These lenses can hold moisture better than standard contact lenses. This has been especially helpful for students and desk workers. A survey by the American Optometric Association in 2023 showed that 65% of contact lens wearers who switched to silicone hydrogel lenses reported improvements in dry eye symptoms while using computers for long periods.
   

Based on design, the soft contact lenses market is classified into spherical, topic, multifocal, and coloured. The spherical segment accounted for USD 5.3 billion in market revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% between the 2025 to 2034 period.
 

• The increasing cases of myopia and hyperopia have increased the need for soft spherical contact lenses. According to the report issued by the National Eye Institute, the nearsightedness increase in the U.S. in the time period from 2021 to 2023 was approximately 25%, with a notable increase in children between the ages of 6-17 years. These lenses are the most commonly given in prescriptions for treating refractive errors, mainly due to excessive screen use and family history.
   
• In addition, lens customization has improved to the extent that individuals suffering from myopia or hyperopia can use spherical soft contact lenses. More manufacturers are expanding their ranges of prescriptions, which increases demand in the market.
   
• Furthermore, campaign initiatives from the government and organizations like World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) are helping increase awareness about regular eye check-ups and correcting vision at an early stage. More awareness is now making people choose spherical contact lenses. All these factors are expected to contribute to growth in this segment of the market.
   

Based on usage, the market is classified into daily disposable, weekly disposable, and monthly disposable. The daily disposable segment dominated the global soft contact lenses market in 2024 with a market share of 49.3% and is expected to grow at 8.8% CAGR from 2025 – 2034.
 

• Daily disposable soft lenses do not need any cleaning solutions and storage, which reduces the risk of eye irritation and infections. They are designed for single use, which easily meets the needs of modern, fast-paced lifestyle. A fresh and sterile lens is placed on the eyes each day, making them a reliable choice for active individuals.
   
• These lenses help maintain moisture, which reduces dryness and helps people who have dry eye syndrome. The American Academy of Ophthalmology found that dry eye syndrome affected around 16 million Americans in 2023, which is 30% higher than 2021. The National Eye Institute stated that between 2021 and 2023, there was a 45% increase in the use of daily disposable lenses due to their comfort features. This was mainly due to the high-water content and oxygen permeability of the lenses.
   
• Also, the addition of silicone hydrogel, UV protection, and blue light filtering has greatly improved the comfort and effectiveness of daily disposable lenses. These features help people who spend a lot of time outdoors or use digital devices, which increases the demand for this part of the market.
   

Based on application, the soft contact lenses market is classified into corrective, therapeutic, cosmetic, prosthetic, and lifestyle-oriented. The corrective segment dominated the market in 2024 and was valued at USD 5.7 billion growing from USD 4.5 billion in 2021.
 

• Many consumers, especially young professionals and students, prefer contact lenses for their aesthetic appeal and convenience. Corrective soft contact lenses provide a wider field of vision, eliminate reflections, and allow for an active lifestyle without the limitations of eyeglasses.
   
• In addition, developments in customization have made it possible to produce toric lenses for astigmatic patients as well as multifocal lenses for presbyopic patients. As more people need specialized vision correction, producers are expanding their product ranges to meet diverse consumer needs.
   
• Additionally, the use of soft contact lenses is becoming easier, due to online retailers and direct-to-consumer brands. Automated refills, home delivery, and subscription-based models are making it easier for consumers to use lenses consistently.

• Retail optical stores provide a wide variety of soft contact lenses such as daily disposables, extended wear contacts, toric contacts, and multifocal lenses. Personalized consultations, fitting services, and recommendations based on the customer's eye care needs and lifestyle make these stores a preferred choice for first-time customers.
   
• These stores regularly conduct eye checkups which help make patients more aware of their vision correction needs. These checkups help identify refractive errors, which creates a demand for soft contact lenses as a good alternative to glasses. Store optometrists also teach customers appropriate cleaning and maintenance of contact lenses.
   
• Additionally, large optical chains are expanding into growing regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. People's increasing income and ongoing shift to urban living has led to more visits to retail optical stores, which helps grow the soft contact lens market.

• The U.S. is heavily affected by vision complications such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. According to CDC data, around 45% of American adults reported eye strain symptoms in 2023. The National Eye Institute indicates that myopia among Americans is 41.6% in 2022, with an expected increase to 44.5% by 2024.
   
• The U.S. Census Bureau states that adults above the age of 65, who mostly have presbyopia, will make up 21% of the population in 2024, up from 16.8% in 2021. These factors create high demand for soft contact lenses as a vision correction option.
   
• Additionally, the country has leading soft contact lens manufacturers such as Johnson and Johnson Vision, Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, and Cooper Vision. The market has been growing due to these companies' ongoing investments in innovation, marketing campaigns, and product improvements, which help increase awareness among consumers in the contact lens market.
   

Germany soft contact lenses market in Europe is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
 

• Services included in particular insurance packages in Germany covers a small amount of expenses for vision correction, spectacles and contact lenses. The German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) estimates the prevalence of supplementary insurance coverage with benefits for vision correction in Germany in 2023 to be about 73% with statutory health insurance providers. The average reported reimbursement for contact lenses was approximately USD 150-200 per year.
   
• Between 2021 and 2023, vision expenses claimed under insurance policies rose by 12%, which shows that consumers getting access to better eye care products, as reported by the Federal Association of the German Ophthalmic Optics Industry.
   
• There is high demand from the general public in Germany for regular eye examinations due to their awareness of health. Practicing optometrists and opticians have been engaging their clients in the marketing of contact lenses as an alternative to spectacles, which increases the market demand.
   

Japan holds a dominant position in the Asia Pacific soft contact lenses market.
 

• Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications states that more than one-third of the population is elderly and will grow in the coming decades, making presbyopic multifocal contact lenses more in demand. In 2022, people over the age of 65 made up 36.21% of the overall population, showing an increase from 35.27% in 2021.
   
• The shift from head-mounted devices to soft lenses for older glasses-wearing consumers has been driven by high adoption of soft lenses that provide comfortable and visually appealing options. According to the Japanese Contact Lens Association, multifocal contact lenses were 8.3% more popular in 2023 than the previous year, reaching a market value of around 283.9 million dollars.
   
• Japan also leads the market, especially among young fashion-conscious consumers who prefer colored and cosmetic lenses. Circle lenses, which add beauty to the iris, are common and help the overall market grow.
   

Soft Contact Lenses Market Share

The market is highly consolidated, with Alcon, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson collectively holding more than 65% of the total market share. These companies maintain their dominance through established brand presence, comprehensive product portfolios, and technological advancements in lens development. Other significant players include Bausch + Lomb, HOYA Vision Care, Menicon, and SEED, which specialize in specialty lenses and regional market expansion.
 

Market competition centers on innovations in silicone hydrogel lenses, blue light filtering technology, and daily disposable lenses. Companies are increasing investments in e-commerce platforms, direct-to-consumer distribution, and sustainability initiatives. The market is experiencing additional competition from new entrants offering affordable and subscription-based lens solutions, particularly in Asia and North America.
 

Soft Contact Lenses Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the soft contact lenses industry include:

• BAUSCH+LOMB
• Alcon
• Contamac
• CooperVision
• Johnson & Johnson
• Menicon
• ORION VISION GROUP
• SEED Co.
• specialeyes
• St.Shine
• SynergEyes
• Visionary Optics
• Vista Optics
• ZEISS
   
• CooperVision has a wide product portfolio and specializes in myopia control lenses that are clinically proven to slow myopia progression in children.
   
• With their strong research and development, Johnson & Johnson and Alcon are investing in smart contact lenses specifically for diabetic patients. These lenses will also monitor blood glucose levels in tears.
   

Soft Contact Lenses Industry News

• In 2025, Bausch & Lomb expanded its ophthalmic portfolio by launching the enVista Aspire monofocal and toric lenses in the European market. These lenses were designed for implantation in the capsular bag to correct aphakia and provide an extended depth of focus. This strategic expansion strengthened the company's presence in the market, addressing the rising demand for advanced intraocular solutions and enhancing its competitive positioning in Europe.
   
• In February 2025, MediPrint Ophthalmics successfully completed Phase 2 trials and advanced its innovative glaucoma program, LL-BMT1. These contact lenses provided a sustainable drug delivery system for glaucoma treatment, reducing dosage frequency and improving patient compliance. This development strengthened the company's position in the soft contact lenses market, enhancing its competitive edge in drug-eluting ophthalmic solutions.
   
• In November 2024, Alcon announced the launch of Precision7, a one-week replacement soft contact lens featuring advanced technology to provide 16 hours of comfort and precise vision in both spherical and toric designs. This innovation expanded Alcon's product portfolio in the market, strengthening its competitive position by addressing consumer demand for long-lasting comfort and improved visual performance.
   

The soft contact lenses market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Material

• Silicone hydrogel
• Hydrogel

Market, By Design

• Spherical
• Topic
• Multifocal
• Coloured

Market, By Usage

• Daily disposable
• Weekly disposable
• Monthly disposable

Market, By Application

• Corrective
• Therapeutic
• Cosmetic
• Prosthetic
• Lifestyle-oriented

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Retail optical stores
• Hospitals & ophthalmology clinics
• E-commerce

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE