Global eyewear market grows as USA leads in percentage of users

The United States is the global leader in eyewear usage, with a striking 75% of its population using some form of corrective or protective eyewear. Closely trailing is Japan, where 73.9% of individuals rely on glasses or contact lenses, followed by France (69.3%) and the Netherlands (68.5%).

Other countries on the list include Germany (68.3%), Finland (68.2%), the United Kingdom (68.1%), Austria (67.2%), Sweden (67.0%), and Luxembourg (66.4%).

Demographic shifts and vision health

The sharp increase in eyewear usage globally can largely be attributed to ageing populations in developed countries. According to the World Health Organisation, presbyopia—a natural decline in near vision due to aging—affects more than a billion people globally, with most cases occurring after the age of 40.

In the U.S., the National Eye Institute reports that the demand for vision correction is rising not just due to ageing but also because of prolonged screen exposure, a side effect of digital lifestyles. This trend, known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, has prompted more people—especially younger adults and teenagers—to seek prescription eyewear.

Eyewear market poised for strong growth

The global eyewear market is projected to grow from $147 billion in 2024 to over $210 billion by 2030, according to data from Grand View Research. The surge is being fueled not only by increased medical need but also by evolving fashion trends and advancements in smart eyewear technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) glasses and blue-light filtering lenses.

Moreover, the proliferation of e-commerce platforms and virtual try-on tools has made eyewear more accessible and customisable, appealing to a broader demographic and supporting global demand.