Contact lenses have become an increasingly popular choice for vision correction. It offers millions of wearers worldwide convenience, comfort, and aesthetic benefits. As technology advances and consumer preferences evolve, it’s essential to examine the current state of contact lens usage, trends, and developments in the field.
In this article, we’ll examine the key statistics surrounding contact lens usage across different age groups. We’ll also discuss the popularity of soft versus hard lenses, the importance of proper hygiene and care, and the exciting advancements in contact lens technology shaping the future of vision correction.
Key Statistics on Contact Lens Usage and Trends
Contact Lens Usage by Age Group
Contact lens usage varies significantly across different age groups, with younger age groups being more likely to wear contact lenses:
- In the United States, an estimated 40.9 million adults aged 18 and older wear contact lenses, representing 16.7% of the adult population.
- The average age of global contact lens wearers is 31. Approximately 8% are under 18, 17% are between 18 and 24, and 75% are adults 25 and older.
- Among contact lens wearers over age 50, 68.2% only wear contact lenses for near-vision testing. The remaining people use a combination of contact lenses and glasses.
Soft vs. Hard Contact Lens Popularity
Soft contact lenses have gained significant popularity over hard lenses, dominating the market:
- 90% of contact lens wearers prefer soft contact lenses over hard lenses.
- The global market for contact lenses was valued at $11.5 billion in 2017 and is expected to grow to $19.45 billion by 2024, with soft lenses accounting for the majority of this market.
- In the United States, the contact lens market is projected to grow by 2.39% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a market volume of $6.65 billion. Soft lenses are expected to continue their dominance during this period.
- Daily disposable lenses, a type of soft contact lens, are gaining popularity. In a survey covering 34 countries, 56% of contact lens wearers reported using daily disposable lenses.
Contact Lens Complications and Hygiene
Many contact lens wearers engage in behaviors that increase their risk of eye infections. In 2016, a significant number of adult contact lens wearers in the United States reported various risk behaviors.
Examples of complications associated with contact lens wear include:
- Discomfort
- Dry eye
- Corneal infiltrates
- Corneal neovascularization
- Corneal abrasion
- Infectious keratitis
To reduce the risk of eye infections, contact lens wearers should practice proper hand hygiene. This includes thoroughly washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds before handling contact lenses and ensuring hands are completely dry.
Reusable contact lenses can more than triple the risk of a rare preventable eye infection compared to daily disposable lenses. Factors that increase this risk include wearing lenses overnight or in the shower and reusing lenses.
Advancements in Contact Lens Technology
- The U.S. contact lens market was valued at $3.42 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.39% from 2024 to 2028.
- Daily disposable lenses now account for approximately 55% of the global soft contact lens market in dollars, a significant increase from about 35% of the market in 2008 to 2009.
- The global smart contact lens market size was valued at $115.0 million in 2018 and is expected to reach $1,603.4 million by 2026, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.4% during the forecast period.
- Johnson & Johnson Vision recently received regulatory approval for the first commercial antihistamine-delivering contact lens, ACUVUE® Theravision™. This innovative lens releases ketotifen to relieve the itch caused by ocular allergies.
- In the United States, an estimated 45 million people wear contact lenses, with two-thirds of contact lens wearers being female.
The statistics presented in this article highlight the widespread use of contact lenses, particularly among younger age groups, and the dominance of soft lenses in the market. As contact lens technology advances, it’s crucial to prioritize proper hygiene and care to minimize the risk of complications.
Exciting advancements in contact lens technology, such as the development of smart contact lenses and drug-delivering lenses, hold great promise for the future of vision correction and eye health. A growing and evolving market demands a proactive approach. Eye care professionals must stay current on the latest developments in contact lenses to effectively educate their patients on proper use and care.
By understanding the current trends and statistics surrounding contact lens usage, eye care professionals and consumers can make informed decisions about vision correction options and work towards maintaining optimal eye health.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that contact lenses will continue to play a significant role in the world of vision correction. This offers contact lens wearers the freedom, comfort, and confidence to see the world clearly.
